Does it seem stuffy in here? If so, it could be because your HVAC system's Air Ducts and vents need cleaning. We'll provide some warning signs that your ductwork needs maintenance. That way, you can fix any lingering issues and begin experiencing improved indoor air quality!

Why do Your Air Conditioning Ducts Need Cleaning?

Over time, your Ducts collect dust and debris. Sometimes even mold or insects make their way into your ductwork, as well. These intruders can clog up your HVAC system, but that's not the only problem. Your air conditioner and heater blow these particles around your house, dispersing them into the air and on your surfaces.

Your HVAC unit is designed to help cool or hot air travel through your ductwork to spread throughout your home evenly. So the air you breathe may contain any undesirable debris that gets picked up along this journey. That's why proper indoor air quality maintenance and HVAC duct cleaning are crucial to your HVAC system's well-being.

How to Tell When You Need Air Duct Cleaning

Several factors go into determining how often you should schedule an Air Duct Cleaning. For example, your air conditioning usage and HVAC maintenance routine can drastically affect the cleanliness of your system.

However, the general rule of thumb is that you should have your air ducts thoroughly cleaned every two to five years. Considering that's a significant time range, we want to help you assess whether your air ducts and vents are currently in need of this service.

Here are the Top 8 signs that your home may require air duct cleaning and vent maintenance.

1. Increase in your power bill

Has your monthly energy bill been steadily increasing lately? If you haven't made any drastic lifestyle changes and you haven't recently added new appliances, it could mean that your ducts are dirty. Thus, your HVAC system might be working harder to achieve natural airflow.

The good news is, you can clean your ductwork, and utilize other energy-saving tips, to significantly reduce your AC costs.

2. Inconsistent airflow

Does your home's temperature differ from room to room? First, examine your air vents to make sure they're correctly opened. If that's not the issue, this problem could indicate that your air ducts are filled with dust and debris. This blockage is likely preventing your HVAC system from delivering air in full force, resulting in sub-par airflow.

3. Noisy air ducts

This issue requires an inspection from HVAC professionals. Any unusual or strange noise in your ducts could mean that your system needs maintenance or repair. For example, banging or popping noises could indicate that some parts are disjointed or a metal piece is loose. Alternatively, there could be debris in your air vents or ductwork that is causing the noise. Regardless, it's best to contact your AC service company to get their expert opinion.

4. Rodent problem

Unfortunately, rodents, bugs, and other pests love nesting in air ducts. Therefore, if you see or hear rodents moving around, you may want to clean your air ducts as a means to get rid of the intruders.

Bear in mind rodents aren't just a nuisance to your home. When they live in your air ducts, they could cause your family members to have allergic reactions or respiratory issues. So call pest control or HVAC professional immediately if you think critters might be roaming around your air ducts.

5. Persons in your home with respiratory issues

If anyone in your household shows new respiratory or allergy symptoms, dust might be the culprit. That's because outdoor allergens can make their way into your HVAC system and spread throughout your home via dust mites.

Meanwhile, those who commonly suffer from seasonal allergies could also benefit from routine air duct cleaning services.

6. Excessive dust

It is normal to have dust in an indoor environment. But if the dust around your house is excessive and constant, it could be because your air ducts are dirty.

One quick way to check if your ductwork is the culprit is to inspect your air vents when you turn on your air conditioner. If you see a puff of dust when the AC fan kicks on, then you likely have excess dust in your air vents.

7. Recent home remodeling

Remodeling your house creates a ton of dust, and some of this extra debris will inevitably end up in your air ducts.

You can help reduce the amount of dust that enters your HVAC system while remodeling by covering your air vents before the project begins. Additionally, it would be best to isolate the area where you or your contractor are working to limit the spread of debris.

Even after taking a proactive approach, it's wise to have your HVAC service company inspect your ducts following any major home projects. They'll be able to tell you whether your air ducts and vents require deep cleaning.

8. Unusual smells near the air vents

Strange smells are a massive sign that something is wrong with your air conditioning system. Some odors will be pungent enough that you can't miss them. However, you may want to see if your vents pass the 'smell test' on occasion.

The smell coming out of your vents could indicate that your air ducts are humid. This environment is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Keep in mind that mold can trigger respiratory problems for those who reside in your household. Therefore, it's crucial to address any mold problem immediately.

How to Clean Your Air Ducts

HVAC duct cleaning can be a tricky process, as every home's system is unique and complex. That's why it's best to contact a professional air duct cleaning company to inspect and service your system.

These companies will send a trained technician to remove dust and other debris from your air vents, registers, diffusers, and grill. Then, they'll conduct a deep clean of the HVAC system's working parts, including the fan housing and motor.

Considering that you'll need to contract a specialized company to clean your air ducts, it's best to keep your system as clean as possible in between appointments. So, schedule your AC service company to conduct routine maintenance and annual tune-ups to keep your unit in peak working condition. Additionally, try to avoid excess dust and debris build-up by keeping your home spotless with regular cleaning.