When you think of your home’s health, think of air ducts like the lungs in your body. Whatever your air ducts breathe in, you breathe in.
An air duct system circulates air in your home, but it also circulates things like dust, dirt and mold. That’s why it’s important to schedule a regular air duct cleaning for your home.
What Are the Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning?
Your air ducts are an essential part of your HVAC system. They work as the transportation system for the conditioned air to travel to the different areas of your home. When your air ducts are dirty, it can lead to serious health risks as the indoor air quality declines. This can be a particular problem for those who suffer from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory complications. By scheduling regular air duct cleanings, you ensure that your air ducts are not circulating contaminants or dust throughout your home.
Another benefit to regular air duct cleaning is removing obstructions in the vent that causes your HVAC unit to overworking. If not addressed, these obstructions can restrict the airflow, which leads to your HVAC unit breaking down more often due to the amount of work required to cool or heat your home. This also can lead to higher energy bills, uneven heating and cooling in areas of your home, and development of cold and hot spot.
What Are the Signs That My Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?
The Indoor Coil and The Outdoor Condenser Are Iced Over
If your HVAC unit has a lot of ice or moisture build-up, this is a sign that your air ducts need to be cleaned. When your air ducts are dirty, this can cause a build-up of dust and debris on the coils or condenser, creating ice formation. The more ice that builds up, the harder your AC unit has to work to keep your home cool causing your energy bills to skyrocket.
Your Home Smells Musty
A musty smell developing throughout your home is strong evidence that you have mold growth in your air ducts. If it is only developing in one area of your home, this could be another problem, such as a plumbing issue that is causing a leak and resulting in mold. That means it’s time to contact a plumber.
If you are unsure whether it is your plumbing or your air ducts that are the problem, you will want to do the following check.
- Grab a flashlight and head to your nearest vent.
- Using the flashlight, shine a light in the vent and look for discoloration along the walls of floors of the duct. If there is a large buildup, this could also be a sign of a clog.
- Next, contact your trusted HVAC technician to come and clean out your air ducts.
The Vents and Ducts Are Clogged
Clogged air vents or air ducts can result in difficulty for the HVAC system to get the conditioned air to the different areas of your home. If you notice large amounts of dust coming out of the registers, then it is time for an air duct cleaning.
Your Air Filters Are Clogged
Dirty air ducts naturally lead to dirtier air filters. If you find yourself having to replace your air filters more often than every three months (or more than once a month for homes with pets), this is a sign that you need to schedule a cleaning for your air ducts.
You Have Rodents in Your Air Ducts
Rodents like making a home out of your air duct system because it provides an open and dark area. If you hear scratching sounds, find feces or dead rodent carcasses near your vents, you have a rodent problem. Make sure to call your local extermination company to help you take care of the rodents and your trusted HVAC team to clean your air ducts.
Your Electric Bills Are Climbing
If your energy bills are steadily rising and there is no issue with your actual HVAC system, this is probably from dirty air ducts overworking your HVAC system. Get your air ducts cleaned and you should notice a big difference in your next electricity bill.
There Is a Rattling Sound In Your Ductwork
If you notice a strange rattling sound when your HVAC system comes on and the sound is being carried around your house, then that could be a result of build-up of dirt and debris in your air duct system.
Your Home Is Always Dusty
As you now know, dirty air ducts carry more than conditioned air. They also move around dirt and debris throughout your house. If you find yourself having to constantly vacuum or dust, then there is a problem with your air duct system that a cleaning could help resolve.
How Often Should I Get My Air Duct Cleaned?
Your air ducts should be professionally cleaned every three to five years. If you have pets or live in an area that has a higher allergen risk, you may want to get them cleaned every two to three years. Changing your HVAC’s air filter every three months is another way to ensure that your air ducts are staying clean. If you have pets, you may need to change them every month.
Is It Time for Your Air Ducts to Be Cleaned?
If you’re ready to restore healthy air to your home, contact Cote’s Mechanical. Whether you own a commercial or residential building, Cote’s Mechanical provides you with key heating and air conditioning systems expertise. Based just outside of Denton, Texas, we have proudly served the north Texas area for more than 10 years. Call Cote’s Mechanical to schedule an air duct cleaning today.
