Do you remember the first time you had to clean your air ducts? If not, then it’s probably because they don’t need cleaning. Air ducts are very efficient at catching dust and debris that might otherwise circulate throughout the house. However, if you have noticed that there is a lot of dust on your furniture or in corners of rooms where it doesn’t normally accumulate, this may be an indication that your air ducts need some attention. It’s not always easy to know when your air ducts need cleaning. However, close observation of the signs will be key to offering guidance on the appropriate time to handle the cleaning. Proper understanding of these signs will help in the making of informed decisions.
-Foul odors coming from vents – If you notice a strong or detectable odor coming from any air vents in your home, this could be an indication that there is particle build-up, humidity, or a lack of airflow due to insufficient ductwork.
-Dust and debris on furniture – If you see an increase in the amount of dust that accumulates on your furniture, especially near vents from heating/cooling systems, this may indicate poor airflow which is caused by particles blocking ventilation passages. A professional can inspect your system for any potential damage that might be leading to reduced airflow through the unit.
-Dirty coils – One common sign that there is a problem with your system’s coil (or evaporator coil) is when you notice dirt collecting around it. The collection only happens if the blower has been running while dirty air was passing over its surface. Dirt collects more easily on cool surfaces. If you notice this, it’s likely that the coil is dirty and needs to be cleaned.
-Poor heating – Poor airflow may lead to poor indoor air quality which can affect your health. Low air quality can cause stuffy noses, dry throats, or even sore chests. This happens because when there isn’t enough fresh air coming into a room, pollutants become concentrated in low areas of the room where they stagnate. Air duct cleaning will help reduce these symptoms for everyone living in the home including young children and infants who are more susceptible to respiratory problems from exposure to polluted indoor air.
-Corrosion on the metal components -Metal parts in the system are prone to corrosion over time due to exposure to inside walls and other areas where water can cause rusting. If these materials begin to look corroded it’s important not only for health reasons but also for the duct efficiency to handle the replacement if left unattended for too long.
-Frequent breakdowns -If you find yourself having frequent issues with appliances like heaters or cooling systems, even though all required maintenance was completed last season, then it might suggest that your ducts require cleaning as well. When particles accumulate within the HVAC system, it causes more strain on the equipment which leads to increased breakdowns.