Does Your Ductwork Need Cleaning? Signs To Watch Out For
Keeping your home’s heating and cooling system in tip-top shape is essential for the entire household's health. The ductwork plays a key role in this system, circulating air to each room. But it is often forgotten when it comes to regular maintenance.
So, how do you know if your ductwork needs cleaning? Let’s explore some signs to help you determine when it’s time to call in an HVAC contractor offering air duct services.
Dusty Air Vents and Furniture
If you notice an increase in the amount of dust on objects around the house, such as furniture or air vents, and even in hard-to-reach places like fans or ceiling corners, it could indicate that your ductwork needs cleaning. Dust and dirt can accumulate over time within ducts, and this will eventually get circulated into the air and onto surfaces throughout your home.
Increase in Allergens & Dust
One of the telltale signs that it’s time to get air duct services is an increase in allergens and dust levels. If you have noticed higher levels of airborne dust or if any family members have allergy symptoms that seem to be worsening, it could be because of clogged air ducts in need of some TLC. A professional HVAC technician will help identify the root cause of the problem and offer solutions, such as an air duct deep cleaning. But note that not all HVAC contractors offer air duct services, so don’t forget to ask first.
Unpleasant Odors Coming From Vents
Another sign that something may be amiss with your air ducts is if you detect unpleasant odors coming from your vents—especially after turning on the heat or air conditioning. This could indicate a buildup of dirt, debris, mold, mildew within the system, or even the presence of vermin carcasses or feces, which can be eliminated with an extensive cleaning process. It’s important to note that these contaminants can also lead to health problems for those living in the home if not taken care of properly.
Visible Mold Growth
The presence of visible mold growth around any part of the HVAC system clearly indicates that you have to schedule air duct services pronto! Mold spores can easily spread through an HVAC system and into other parts of a home if left unchecked, leading to further health issues for residents. Professional cleaners are trained to remove mold safely and effectively, so don’t hesitate to contact one immediately if you suspect mold growth in your home.
High Energy Bills
You may not think of energy bills as an indicator of dirty ducts, but they certainly can be! Dirt buildup inside of ducts makes them less efficient when running, which means they require more energy to function properly, leading to higher energy bills each month. If you notice unusually high energy costs despite not making any changes to how you use heating or air conditioning systems in the home, then this could be one reason why - so it pays to get those ducts checked out!
Knowing when it's time for your ductwork to be cleaned can save you money and headaches down the line. Paying close attention to common signs such as dusty surfaces throughout your home, strange noises coming from the HVAC system or vents, and unusual smells will help you determine if it's time for a thorough inspection and cleaning by a professional team such as Fire and Ice Heating & Air.
Call Fire and Ice Heating & Air Today For Reliable Air Duct Services
Fire and Ice Heating & Air offer comprehensive air duct services to keep residential and commercial customers safe and comfortable in their homes year-round! With Fire and Ice Heating & Air on your side, you can rest assured knowing that all components related to indoor air quality are taken care of - including those hard-to-reach places like behind walls where much of our complex ventilation systems exist!
Contact Fire and Ice Heating & Air today at (225) 954-2312 for more information or to schedule air duct services.