Summer is winding down, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about the care and maintenance that your air conditioner needs. During the summer months, your air conditioning unit is working at peak levels due to the hot and humid outdoor temperatures. With so much usage, your air ducts become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, dust, and other allergens that are harmful to your health. The debris that collects in your air ducts gets pushed through your system and into your home or office, polluting the air that you are breathing. In fact, the EPA estimates that indoor air quality can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air due to dirty air ducts.

The buildup of debris in your air ducts also harms the functionality of your HVAC unit and decreases its efficiency and longevity. In the long run, if you do not maintain your air ducts and have them cleaned, you may be spending more money on your energy bills and potentially entirely new HVAC units. Whether it is costing you money in medical bills, added energy expenses or both, dirty air ducts cannot be ignored.

Signs of Dirty Air Ducts

There are some obvious signs you can look for to tell if you have dirty air ducts that require professional cleaning. These include:

• Dust and cobwebs visibly blowing from registers
• Excessive dust throughout the entire home or office
• Dirty supply and return vent covers
• Dark lines on walls or ceilings surrounding the vents
• Variance in temperature throughout the home or office
• Noticeable odors that come from your registers or ducts when the system is running
• Evidence of insect or rodent infestation anywhere in your home or office
• Frequent illnesses occurring with individuals residing or working in the area

Of course there are certain circumstances where you should have your air ducts cleaned, even if it is a new system. You should always have your air ducts cleaned after having new furnace or ductwork completed, as this tends to stir up dust and debris that can recirculate through your home or office. Other scenarios that cause dirty air ducts include:

• A recent remodel or construction project
• Water damage caused by flooding

Let Stanley Steemer Handle Your Dirty Air Ducts

The professionals at Stanley Steemer are certified with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), and unlike other companies, we clean your entire ventilation system without limiting the cleaning to just your air ducts. This means that you are left with a clean HVAC unit, blower, evaporator coil and all other accessible components. From the individual air ducts and vent covers to the main trunk line of your HVAC, you will be left with a unit that promotes healthier air and easier breathing. Contact us today to get a quote or to speak with one of our professionals. We can help to make sure the debris of summer is left behind and you are beginning the fall season cleaner and healthier.