Your home’s air ducts are responsible for circulating the heated or cooled air throughout your home. Over time, your air ducts become clogged with dirt and debris and will require an air duct cleaning. When the air ducts become clogged and dirty, it can take a toll on both your health and the life of your HVAC unit. Air duct cleaning is important in maintaining a sound HVAC unit and can prevent your family from breathing in harmful contaminants. Below are five signs that you may need an air duct cleaning.
Mold Growth
Mold is dangerous for anyone to breathe in, but is even more of a threat to those with asthma or allergies. If mold is visible on vent covers or inside your vents, that could mean there is an excess of moisture in your air ducts as a result of air flow being restricted. Not only is this hazardous to your health, but it can also cause other bacteria to grow which will further contaminate your HVAC unit.
Visible Debris
If you notice dust, dirt or other debris being forced out of your vents when you turn your air on, that is usually a good indication that your air ducts need to be cleaned. You may also notice dust buildup through the cracks of your vent covers and return registers. If you find yourself dusting and wiping counters and tabletops off quite frequently, your air ducts probably need to be cleaned. The longer you wait to have your air ducts cleaned, the more dust and debris is forced into the rooms of your home.
Clogged Air Filter
If your HVAC unit runs at least six months out of the year, it is recommended that you change your air filter once a month. However, if your air filter is completely clogged and covered with a coat of dust and dirt, this could indicate the need for an air duct cleaning. When the air filter is so clogged that it prevents air from flowing through it, the dust and debris will settle and build up within the air ducts, leading to additional problems and more strain on your HVAC unit.
Rodents or Insects
Rodents and insects like to make themselves at home in your air ducts and can sometimes chew their way into your ventilation system. If there are signs of pests inside of your home, it could be a sign that they are living in your air ducts and have left behind waste and other particles. If this happens, you should have your air ducts examined by a professional as soon as possible to see if this is the case. If so, you’ll want to have your ducts cleaned to remove any deceased rodents or insects and to clean out any other unwanted debris they may have left behind.
Increase in Your Energy Bill
Has your energy bill gone up but nothing in your household has changed? This could mean your HVAC unit is working harder and using more energy as a result of restricted air flow. Even if you don’t notice your HVAC running longer than normal, some components might not be working properly. For example, if your blower fan or motor can’t turn as fast as normal because of dirt buildup, it is using more energy and costing you money.
Contact Stanley Steemer for Air Duct Cleaning
Stanley Steemer of South Florida goes above and beyond by cleaning not only your ventilation system and associated ductwork, but also other accessible components, such as the blower and evaporator coil. Our professionals provide fast and cost-efficient air duct cleaning to ensure you are left with clean and safe indoor air. To get a free quote, visit our website or call (888) 982-3553 today.