The air ducts in your home or business may be home to some unsavory guests. Dust bunnies might seem innocuous enough, but menaces such as mold and mildew can thrive and spread if air ducts are neglected. This prompts the question — do your air ducts need to be cleaned? If you can’t remember the last time you had them professionally serviced, the answer is probably yes. Investing in air duct cleaning can minimize allergens, eliminate pest infestations, and ensure that your HVAC system is energy efficient.
Signs You May Need Your Air Ducts Cleaned
You need your HVAC system to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but you might not give much thought to maintenance when it appears to be running smoothly. The components of this system require attention like any other appliance, though, if you want to extend its lifespan and ensure it keeps working. Pay attention to the following signs you may need to get your air ducts clean ASAP.
Increased Dust Inside Your Home
If you notice that more dust has been accumulating on surfaces — and you haven’t changed any housekeeping habits — this can be a sign that your air ducts are in serious need of cleaning. When air ducts fill up with dirt and debris, it will eventually be spread throughout your home in the form of dust. Instead of sweeping the floors, clean your air ducts, and notice the difference.
A Past Pest Infestation
Spiders, roaches, and other creepy creatures aren’t the only pests that can infest your air ducts. Mice and rats are more than happy to make HVAC ducts their home if those ducts tend to be undisturbed. If you haven’t cleaned out your ducts in a while, you might be surprised to learn that your family members aren’t the only residents of your home. If you hear sounds of animals coming from your ceiling or attic, this is a sign you need a cleaning.
Visible Mold on the Exterior of Your AC Ducts
It’s difficult to see inside your air ducts to see whether they need cleaning, but sometimes exterior signs indicate what’s inside. For example, if you’ve seen mold accumulating on the outside of your AC ducts, this is a tell-tale sign that you need to get the interior of your ducts cleaned quickly. This is also true if you notice mold on your floor or ceiling vent fixtures.
Problems With Duct Insulation
The addition of insulation to your ductwork can massively improve energy efficiency, and it also serves as an indication of your ducts’ condition. If you notice any flaking, dampness, or damage to the insulation, this is likely a sign of contamination within the duct itself. You should get a professional cleaner to inspect the duct as soon as possible.
Top Five Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
Cleaning your air ducts isn’t just a matter of maintenance. It offers a range of benefits that can substantially improve your quality of life and the performance of your HVAC system, too. Check out the following perks of investing in air duct maintenance. After a professional cleaning, you’re likely to breathe easier and enjoy lowered energy bills.
Healthier Respiratory Health
HVAC air ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned will circulate whatever allergens and irritants accumulate in the ducts. In addition to dust mites, this can include pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and viruses. All of these particles pose a threat to your respiratory wellness and overall health. Scheduling a professional cleaning can minimize the chances of illness.
Improved HVAC Performance
Did you know that unclean air ducts can actually compromise the functioning of your HVAC system? Indeed, the efficiency of your ventilation is compromised when debris accumulates in the vents and ducts of your AC system. This can eventually impede airflow and prevent your system from functioning at its fullest capacity. Professional duct cleaning clears out all of the dust and debris that’s caught in your ducts, thus eliminating this problem.
Lower Energy Bills
Impaired HVAC function isn’t just a matter of inconvenience. It’s also likely to cause your energy bills to skyrocket. As your HVAC system struggles to circulate air sufficiently, it will work overtime and expend more energy than would normally be necessary. This problem is typically accompanied by an increase in your electric bill, too — or gas bill if your HVAC system is powered by gas.
Minimized Repair Bills
If you’ve ever been surprised by an unexpected repair bill, you know the frustration that accompanies this situation. You want to do everything within your power to keep such surprises at bay. Investing in routine HVAC maintenance, including cleaning out your ducts, is the easiest and most affordable way to avoid these unwelcome expenses. When you take care of your HVAC system, it’s less likely to require costly repairs that you don’t anticipate.
Less Dust to Clean Up
The aforementioned dust problem can become a serious inconvenience if you’re constantly finding yourself brushing dust off of clothes, furniture, and surfaces in your home. Though some dust is inevitable, excessive dust is typically caused by HVAC air ducts that are in need of a cleaning. Getting your ducts cleaned out can eliminate dust bunnies and make it easier to keep your home cleaner. Having less debris to clean up is a major relief if you’ve become accustomed to dust.
Keep Your Ducts Clean for a Happy, Healthy Home
Keeping the ducts of your HVAC system clean is a major part of ensuring your home is clean and healthy. Uncleaned ductwork leaves your home vulnerable to nasty dust and debris as well as bacteria and viruses that can quickly circulate if they’re left unaddressed. Rather than letting these issues compromise your quality of living, invest in a professional duct cleaning to eliminate the problem. Brouwer Brothers has been serving customers throughout the greater Chicago area for over 50 years, with a history of excellence and commitment to customers. Schedule a duct cleaning for your home or business by calling us at (800) 253-2654 or reach out online.
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