Cleaning and maintenance of air ducts is a practice that most homeowners often forget. Unfortunately, if left dirty, air ducts may actually make dust and dirt to spread quicker within the home instead of being trapped as they are supposed to. Given the fact that fine dirt could also contain dead skin cells, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, fungi, and other allergens, dirty air ducts may just turn into the worst health hazard within your home. With dirt accumulation, it is obvious that more energy will be required to operate these air ducts which will mean increased energy costs. Though most homeowners are not aware of it, it is so easy to know when your air ducts need to be cleaned. Here are six telltale signs for this.
1. Dirty Air Vents.
Air vents and return air grills are probably the most easily visible parts of the air ducts. With time, these usually gather dust and dirt particles. Once you detect an accumulation of dirt in the air vents, know that it may be time to have the whole air duct system cleaned. For better inspection, you may have to open one of the air vents or return air grill covers to see if there is any dirt, debris, or dust accumulation inside them. If any of these is present, it indicates that the air ducts are also in similar condition and need cleaning.
2. Mold Infestation.
As we all know, mold can be hazardous, especially for people with allergies or asthma. You should inspect your air ducts for any visible mold growth. The presence of mold within your air ducts, heating/cooling system components or air vents indicates a high possibility of moisture and air circulation issues that may be caused by dirt accumulation within the ducts. This means that you should get your air ducts cleaned by professionals to prevent the spread of mold and other dangerous allergens within your indoor atmosphere.
3. Clogged Air Filters.
Every month it is very important for homeowners to check and change their air filters to prevent clogging as recommended by manufacturers. If you notice that the air filters are clogged with dirt and dust, it means that your air ducts have possibly accumulated dirt that should be gotten rid of. This is a sure sign that you need to give your air duct cleaners an urgent call!
4. Excessive Dust in the Home.
Clogged air ducts usually mean reduced air flow within the home. This will definitely lead to less dirty air going through the ducts and air filters, leaving most of it to settle on your furniture and other surfaces. Even if much air flows through the air ducts, if these ducts are dirty, the air won’t be filtered as clean as expected, leaving a lot of dust and dirt within the home. If you notice that your home is unusually dusty, then the problem could actually be in your air ducts. You may inspect them on your own, but it is usually best to have a professional do it.
5. Insect or Rodent Infestation.
Air ducts are usually the prime location for most bugs, rodents, and insects in most homes. Although, these will only find the best habitat within your air ducts if they are dirty because the dirt adds up as their food. If rats, mice, bugs, or other vermin are present in your air ducts, then it is time for a thorough clean of these ducts. In addition to this, these pests may actually lead to even dirtier air ducts, especially as they shed their hairs and leave their droppings that may eventually spread into the air you breathe. Have your trusted air duct cleaning professionals handle this as they are more experienced and better equipped to deal with even the most complex situations.
6. Heating/Cooling Systems Working Poorly.
Dirt and dust accumulation often restricts heating or cooling systems. When it’s cold, heat exchangers clogged with dirt or dust will not warm the air efficiently. Meanwhile during the hot season, dirty condensing coils cannot cool the air as efficiently. Clogged air ducts also mean poor air circulation into and out of the air cooling/heating systems and thus less efficiency. If your home remains unusually cold or hot even when your HVAC system is running, then you need to check your air vents for dirt or dust clogs. It could be a signal that you need to have your ducts cleaned.
The above are some of the most effective ways to detect dirty air ducts and know exactly when to call a professional. For the best air duct cleaning results, Fresh Aire Duct Cleaning is known to offer great air duct inspection and cleaning services. If you live within LA or the surrounding areas then you can trust our experts to make your ducts spotless. This means a cleaner indoor atmosphere, fewer respiratory difficulties, better air circulation, improved energy efficiency, and an extended life for your air ducts and cooling/heating systems.