If there’s something in the house that needs to be cleaned but often overlooked, that’s the Air Ducts. Most homeowners forget about them until unpleasant situations and even illnesses arise. From sneezing and coughing to higher utility costs, these are but a few of the signs that tell you that your air ducts need cleaning. It might sound like an expensive project but let me explain why it’s worth the investment.
Dirty HVAC systems can affect the quality of your indoor air. A house with six rooms can accumulate up to 40 pounds of dust every year through daily living. So when you think about your air ducts, imagine them as the lungs of your home that takes air in and breathes it out.
Dirty air ducts may contribute to serious health conditions or even harbor contaminants that can aggravate a person’s respiratory problems, autoimmune disorders, or environmental allergies. Furthermore, energy is being wasted from 25 to 40 percent because the contaminants make it harder for the HVAC system to heat and cool. And the more they work, the shorter the life of the system gets.
Signs You Should Clean the Air Ducts
Look out for these telltale signs that should tell you when it is time to clean the air ducts. Depending on the severity of the dirt, you can either do it yourself or call a certified technician like this company to do the job for you.
- The supply and return vent covers are dirty.
- Noticeable excessive dust has proliferated in your home. Dust or debris may also be coming out from the vents.
- Dark filtration lines appear around the vents, which may be on the walls, ceiling, or carpet.
- The temperature or air flow throughout the house varies.
- More energy than normal is needed to cool or heat up the house. This means dirt and debris have blocked the coils and ductwork. Higher utility bills will give you evidence of this.
- Mold or mildew has become visible around the vents.
- Unexplained respiratory problems are spreading at home.
- Insects or rodents have taken residence in the ducts.
