Ductwork is crucial to your central air conditioning, ensuring comfortable temperatures in your spaces. However, they will accumulate dust, dirt, and debris over time. If not removed, the build-up of gunk will form blockages inside the ducts, affecting its efficiency and the air quality in your home. The most effective way to protect your AC system, health, and money is to schedule an air duct cleaning service. If you are wondering how often air ducts should be cleaned, here are the signs to watch out for.
Signs Your Ducts Should Be Cleaned
Vents & ducts are clogged
With time dust and debris will clog your vents and ducts. If you notice the presence of black dust around air vents, it is a clear sign of dirty air ducts. Clogged air ducts can lead to several problems for your HVAC unit that impact its performance and lifespan. Besides, the dust, dirt, and other allergens in your air ducts will eventually be released into the air you breathe, causing allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections.
Unpleasant odor from ducts
If you can’t rid your home of certain unpleasant odors, it could be due to dirty air ducts. Musty smells coming from the ductwork are caused by dust being burned by the heat from the HVAC. Ignoring routine air duct cleaning service gives rise to dust or grime build-up. During regular operation, odors coming from the air duct are a clear signal you need to clean the system as soon as possible.
Mold & mildew are present inside or outside your HVAC system
When a heating and cooling system develops condensation, it gives rise to mold or mildew growth inside the ductwork. The presence of mold and mildew can adversely affect the health of your loved ones. Mold spores can worsen allergies and respiratory problems, including breathing difficulties and asthma. It is time to clean your ducts if there are musty odors in your spaces. A professional air duct cleaning technician can diagnose and fix mold issues.
Unstable or poor airflow
Apart from heating or cooling your home, your HVAC systems will also provide air circulation. Your HVAC system plays a crucial role in keeping the air fresh by constantly circulating it and preventing it from becoming stale and foul. However, when your air ducts are dirty, you will probably get weak air flow from vents in the house than you are used to. The accumulation of grime deep inside the air duct will block quality air from passing through.
The space becomes dusty very quickly
A perpetually dirty home is a sign you need to schedule an air duct cleaning. Inspect your spaces for dust and dirt that seem to settle on surfaces despite your cleaning efforts. If your HVAC is dirty, it will blow dust in the air duct into your home. Having a professional clean the air ducts will solve the problem and save you from rising cleaning costs.
Unusually high power bill
Your home heating and cooling bills should be relatively easy to predict from month to month. If your energy costs have spiked recently with no plausible explanation, dirty ductwork might be the culprit. When ductwork has become too dirty, it prevents free and efficient airflow through your home’s HVAC system. This will force your furnace and AC to work extra hard to deliver a comfortable temperature. The added energy consumption ultimately results in higher utility bills.
Strange and unusual noises in the ductwork
A noisy air duct is another sign you need to clean your ductwork. When dirt accumulates inside the ducts, it blocks the speed of flow of air, leading to pressure build-up. When air moves at a higher velocity than the duct and vent were designed for, it gives rise to unusual noises in the ductwork. Have a professional diagnose the issue and clean the system.
Allergies are worse than usual
If your allergies worsen, it is a sure sign it is time for AC cleaning. When dust, dirt, mold, and debris are accumulated inside your air ducts, the HVAC system will blow the particles throughout your spaces. Exposure to dust, mold, or other disease-causing particles will trigger your allergies or worsen symptoms. Scheduling an air duct cleaning service should be your first solution. Here is our allergy season checklist for a healthy building.
How Do I Know if My Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?
Like with all other home systems, it’s important to know how often air ducts should be cleaned to guarantee maximum efficiency. Experts recommend air duct cleaning every three to five years or whenever you notice the above signs. Here are signs your air ducts need cleaning.
Breathe Easy: Improve Indoor Air Quality With Our Air Duct Cleaning Services in Chicago
The comfort of your home is significantly determined by the indoor air quality you receive from your air conditioner. An accumulation of dust, pollen, mold spores, and grime inside the ductwork will lead to several issues that impact its performance and cause adverse health problems. Regular air duct cleaning can improve the overall air quality in your home.
If you need professional air duct cleaning service in the Chicago area, contact Brouwer Brothers Steamatic today. Our licensed and insured AC technicians leverage their advanced knowledge of HVAC systems and specialized tools to deliver stellar results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how often air ducts should be cleaned.
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