When was the last time you thought about your air ducts? If you are like most people, you probably don’t give your ductwork a second thought. Like your thermostat or air compressor, your ductwork is an essential component of your HVAC system, serving as a highway for transporting air around your home. Ductwork systems are often overlooked because they are hidden in the attic, under the crawl space, and in walls. When problems arise with ductwork, however, it can lead to heating and cooling issues for your entire house.
According to many experts, your ductwork can collect several pounds of dirt, dust, pet dander, and other debris over a year. As a result, clogged and dirty air ducts are among the more common issues that homeowners experience. Dirty air ducts can impact your airflow. If your airflow is hampered, your system might not function correctly, and the temperatures in your house will be impacted. Dirty air ducts could also lead to poor indoor air quality. However, you can prevent several HVAC issues with regular air duct cleaning. Let’s take a closer look at duct cleanings and the benefits you might see.
How often should you schedule ductwork cleanings?
Even with the best air filters and regular filter changes, your air ducts are going to collect debris. Particles will get through the filter, and other debris will fall into your air vents and enter your system. If you live in an area with increased pollution, dust, or pollen, your system will be even more susceptible to collecting debris. All of this could lead to poor indoor air quality and hampered airflow. As a result, you might consider scheduling regular ductwork cleanings with a qualified HVAC technician.
While some believe that the average duct system needs to be cleaned every two to five years, there isn’t a defined standard. The EPS advises that homeowners should have air ducts cleaned professionally whenever needed. If you live in an area where dust, dirt, and pollen are more prevalent, you may require more frequent cleanings. Every home is unique, and your ductwork will have different requirements. As a part of your annual HVAC maintenance, the technician can inspect your ductwork and offer advice as to the condition and cleanliness of your system.
What are the signs of dirty air ducts?
If you are considering air duct cleaning, a few signs could indicate you have dirty ducts. A visual inspection of the ducts can reveal a buildup of dirt and dust that might indicate you need to schedule a cleaning. Depending on your duct system, however, this might not be possible. Aside from a visual inspection, you might notice an increase of dust in your home, dust around the registers, increased allergy symptoms, and inconsistent indoor temperatures. As your system gets dirty, it will circulate more allergens and dust around your home. Additionally, you may notice that your HVAC system isn’t as efficient. These factors could indicate that you need to schedule a duct cleaning.
What are the benefits of air duct cleaning?
There are many benefits of air duct cleaning that you will notice. Cleaner, healthier indoor air is one of the most obvious benefits of having clean ducts. Any mold, dust, pollen, or other allergens are removed when your system is professionally cleaned. This will be particularly beneficial for those with asthma or other respiratory health problems. In addition to improved air quality, you may also notice that unpleasant smells from mold, tobacco, pets, and other things are eliminated. Cleaning will improve airflow and restore system efficiency if debris has clogged your ducts.
Indoor air quality and comfort are essential for a healthy and happy home. If you suspect that your air ducts are causing poor air quality or impacting the temperatures in your home, you may need to schedule a professional cleaning. An HVAC technician can help you determine if you need to have your system cleaned.
