Did you know experts recommend you clean your home’s air ducts about every five to seven years?
Also, because some air ducts are worse than others, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association advises you have your air ducts inspected at least every two years.
Dirty air ducts can raise your energy bills in the winter and summer in addition to causing respiratory problems and total system failure down the road.
Discovering whether you need to have your ducts cleaned is fairly easy. To recognize the signs, we at Huber Heights Heating & Cooling composed the following list:
Unexplained Spikes in Your Energy Bill
Your home’s HVAC energy prices should be a relatively predictable amount year in and year out. However, if you see a spike in the cost or find the price has been climbing over the years, something is awry. Your home’s duct system could be the problem.
In some cases, it gets so dirty that air isn’t able to freely flow through your home. This forces your system to work harder, raising the price. Having a professional out to clean your ducts is a great notion.
Signs of Rodent or Insect Infestation
If you see, hear or smell any evidence that insects or rodents could be living in your ducts, it’s time to clean them out. Immediately, call a professional. This can seriously damage your HVAC system.
The smell from their droppings can become highly repulsive, and with their husks, shells, and shedding, it can cause illnesses and a host of other problems.
Dirt or Dust around the Vents and Registers
Is there debris and dirt around your air vents? If so, there is a good chance your ducts have developed blockages or have a large number of contaminants going through them. This can intensify allergy problems and other respiratory illnesses, which is another sign of its own.
Inexplicable Respiratory Problems
If anyone in your home is experiencing any sinus, asthma, allergy, or other respiratory issues, dirt and debris running through your ducts might be the issue.
Numerous times each day, air circulates through your home. If your ducts have a lot of dirt and debris, it can have a big influence on air quality.
Visible Mold Growth
While dirt, dust, and other contaminants can have a bad influence on your health, mold is a whole new and more severe story. Mold intensifies allergies and respiratory problems, and it spreads fast. Whether you notice the mold near your vent covers, or you see it growing near your air conditioner, it’s crucial to take action right away. Be quick to protect your home’s air quality.
Get your air ducts cleaned. You could even protect yourself against excessive moisture in your home with a dehumidifier or programmable thermostat.
Inconsistent Airflow from Room to Room
Is one room in your home getting more airflow than another? Because all vents are supposed to be equally open, you might need to have your air ducts cleaned. Doing so will make airflow more consistent room to room.
Air Filters aren’t Lasting as Long
Did you know that if your house’s return air vents are dirty, that dust and dirt buildup will be pulled straight into your ducts where it goes straight to the air filter?
In such cases, you can tell your ducts need to be cleaned based on the air filter’s buildup from the ducts. Do you need to change your air filters because of a faster accumulation of dirt and dust?
Noises in the Ductwork
After you’ve lived in your home for a while, you know all its little noises and quirks. But did you know that ductwork isn’t supposed to make any sounds?
If you hear anything more than the motor to your blower, or an obscure “swooshing” noise, your ductwork could have blockage or debris. If so, it’s time to call one of our certified professionals.
We’d be happy to help!
Call Huber Heights Heating & Cooling today at 937-226-9675, or schedule an appointment now at www.huberheightsheatingandcooling.com/schedule-now.
