Did you know the EPA suggests you have your air ducts cleaned about every five years, give or take?
Because some ducts are dirtier than others, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association also recommends air ducts to be inspected at least once every two years.
Dirty air ducts can lead to higher energy bills year-round in addition to respiratory problems and total system failure down the road.
Ascertaining whether you need to have your ducts cleaned is relatively simple. To recognize the signs, we at Beavercreek Heating & Cooling compiled the following list:
Air Filters Get Dirty Too Fast
Did you know that if your home’s return air vents are dirty, the dust and dirt buildup will be sucked straight through your ducts where it goes straight to the air filter?
When this happens, you can tell your ducts need to be cleaned based on the air filter’s buildup from the ducts. Do you need to change your air filters because of dirt accumulation more frequently? Are your air filters needing to be changed more frequently?
Unexplained Spikes in Your Energy Bill
Your heating and cooling expenses should be consistent year in and year out. However, if you observe a spike in the cost or find the price has been climbing each year, something is wrong. Your home’s duct system could be the problem. In some cases, this is because the ductwork has become so dirty that it isn’t able to freely flow through your home. And this forces your system to work harder, raising the price. Having a professional out to clean your ducts is not a bad idea.
In addition to cleaning out the obstructions, a technician also checks on leaky ducts while they are there.
Signs of Rodent or Insect Infestation
If you see, hear or smell any indication that rodents or insects could be living in your ducts, it’s time to clean them out. Call a professional right away because an infestation can severely damage your HVAC system.
The odor from their droppings can become highly unpleasant, and along with their fur, shells, and husks, it can cause sickness and a lot of other problems.
Dirt or Dust Around the Vents and Registers
If you see dirt and debris around your air vents, there is a good chance that your ducts have increased blockages. They could have a large number of contaminants flowing through the system. This can escalate allergy problems and other respiratory illnesses, which is another sign of its own.
Unexplained Respiratory Problems
If anyone in your home is experiencing any allergy, sinus, asthma, or other respiratory issues, it could be a sign.
Air circulates through your home numerous times a day. If your ducts have high levels of debris and dirt, it can have a big impact on indoor air quality.
Visible Mold Growth
While dirt, dust, and other contaminants can harm your health, mold is a completely separate and harsher crisis. Mold can aggravate allergies and respiratory issues. Worse yet, it grows fast. Whether you observe mold near your vent covers, or you see it growing around your air conditioner, it’s essential to take action. Be swift to preserve your home’s air quality.
Get your ducts cleaned. Possibly even safeguard against unnecessary moisture in your home with a dehumidifier or programmable thermostat.
Airflow isn’t Consistent from Room to Room
Have you ever felt one room isn’t getting the same airflow as another room in your home? Because all vents are supposed to be uniformly open, you might need to clean your air ducts. Doing so will make airflow more consistent from room to room.
Noises in the Ductwork
After you’ve occupied your home for a short while, you learn all its little noises and quirks. But did you know that ductwork should be making any sounds?
If you hear anything more than the motor to your blower, or a vague “swooshing” noise, your ductwork could be blocked or have debris. If so, it’s time to call one of our certified professionals.
We are always standing by. Call Beavercreek Heating & Cooling at 937-708-8527, or schedule an appointment now online at www.beavercreekheatingandcooling.com/schedule-now.
