Indoor air quality plays a huge role when it comes to the overall comfort of your home. Given this, it’s vital that you ensure that your ducts are always clean. This is easier said than done as it can be rather tricky to figure out if there’s a problem in the first place. To help simplify things, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief article about what you need to be on the lookout for. If this is something that you’re interested in, read on for five tell-tale signs that your ducts are contaminated and need cleaning.
Dusty Ducts
If you see a small amount of dust when your HVAC system is turned on, it’s likely a sign that your air ducts are dirty. In most cases, air ducts won’t release visible dust or debris when the heating and cooling system is turned on and air starts flowing through the ducts. So, if you see dust, it’s a good indication that your air registers are dusty.
Clogged Air Filters
If you constantly have to replace your air filters, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Air filters should be changed periodically, but if they are getting clogged after a few days, there may be an issue with your air ducts. It is recommended that you change your air filter every few months.
Unpleasant Odors
If you notice an unpleasant smell in your home and can’t find the source, it could be coming from your air ducts. To check, get close to all the air vents and take a sniff. If you suspect the smell is coming from the air ducts, you can also have a technician inspect them.
Mold and Mildew
If you spot mold growing in your home, it’s important to take quick action to clean it up and prevent it from spreading. Mold and mildew can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions, and they can spread quickly throughout your house. HVAC ducts are a common place for mold to grow, so it’s important to clean them out if you find mold. You may also need to invest in a home dehumidifier to help prevent mold and mildew from growing in wet areas of your home.
High Heating or Cooling Costs
If your heating and cooling bills have been gradually increasing, it may be time to have your ductwork cleaned. Blocked ductwork can prevent air from flowing freely from your HVAC system, forcing your furnace and air conditioner to work harder to maintain the temperature you have set on your thermostat. This extra work uses more energy, which will show up on your utility bills. Cleaning your ductwork can help improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, leading to lower bills in the future.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be helpful when it comes to helping you spot potential issues with your ducts. While it may seem tricky at first, it becomes easier when you know what to look for. Be sure to keep everything you’ve learned here in mind so that you can keep your home in good condition.
If you need to have your ducts cleaned, Duct Doctor Birmingham’s air duct cleaning services has got you covered. Our team of experts will clean your ducts and vents, removing any dirt, dust, or other contaminants that could be causing problems for your family. Our truck-powered air duct cleaning vacuum is significantly more powerful than typical air duct cleaners’ popular rotary-brush type vacuums. Call to schedule your clean today.