How Often Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?
Is it time to have your air ducts cleaned? If you are a new homeowner or you’ve been having issues with your home’s HVAC system, you might want to look at the most common culprit. Your air ducts are the tubes that connect the HVAC system to the vents within your home. As part of your home’s ventilation system, it’s important that the air ducts receive maintenance and inspection so that your air quality remains high and your health is not affected. In this article, we’ll discuss why your air ducts need to be cleaned and cover some of the signs that may indicate that it’s time to clean or replace your air ducts.
Why Do The Air Ducts Need To Be Cleaned?
Often, the last thing homeowners think about when it comes to their home’s maintenance is their HVAC system. Since the air ducts are responsible for transporting heated and cooled air, it’s vital to have them thoroughly cleaned for maximum efficiency and air quality. Air duct cleaning is also imperative because indoor air pollution includes the infiltration of dirt, dust, and other gases. A report published by the Environmental Protection Agency revealed that indoor air pollution could be five-to-one-hundred times higher than outdoor air. The air ducts trap all of these impurities and can recirculate throughout your home, creating a harmful environment for your family.
How Frequently Do I Need to Clean The Air Ducts?
According to experts, a general rule of thumb, homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned at least once every three to five years, depending on essential factors like the region you live in and how often you use the HVAC system. In addition, if you have any residents in your home that suffer from respiratory issues, the air ducts might need to be cleaned more frequently to improve the air quality and boost your home’s ventilation.
When Should I Have The Air Ducts Cleaned?
Is it time to have the air ducts in your home cleaned? Here are five common signs that it’s time to have your air ducts serviced.
- Excess Dust or Dirt
If the air ducts and the inside of the air filter compartment are dirty, chances are it’s time to clean or replace the air ducts. It’s common for the air ducts to accumulate pet dander, dust, allergens, dead skin cells, and other particles. Excess debris can cause visible clouds of dust, and it can affect the air quality of your home.
- Pest Infestation
Believe it or not, roaches, ants, and other types of pests can make their way into the air ducts. If you’ve noticed them crawling around in or around the ductwork, it will begin to affect your HVAC performance. Once the air ducts become infiltrated with pests, it contaminates the air filtered throughout the home.
- Mold Growth
Mold growth is common in damp and humid areas like the air ducts. Perhaps one of the biggest indications of mold is a persistent musty smell that permeates throughout your home. If you see mold around or inside the mold growth, the air ducts must be thoroughly cleaned.
- Reduced Airflow
Have you been experiencing issues with your HVAC system? Perhaps it’s not cooling or heating your home as well as it should be. Damaged, old, dirty, or clogged air ducts can significantly reduce the performance of your HVAC system.
What Should You Expect When Hiring A Duct Cleaning Service?
It’s best to have your ducts cleaned by a professional service with the knowledge, tools, and skill sets to perform the job safely and effectively. During the air duct cleaning process:
- It is best if you first have the air ducts and the HVAC system inspected for asbestos-containing materials that can build up in the heating and cooling system.
- Make sure the ductwork is protected, sealed, and the access holes reinsulated.
- Consider covering your furniture and carpet to ensure that they are protected when the air ducts are cleaned.
Breathe Easy With On Time Home Services
Air duct cleaning should be done on an as-needed basis or every 3-5 years. Proper duct cleaning can reduce indoor pollution, help alleviate health problems, and ensure that your home is thoroughly heated and cooled. Maintaining your air ducts can also help manage energy costs, keeping your temps and your bills low. At On Time Home Services, our skilled technicians have years of experience providing top-quality HVAC solutions. Talk with our expert team today and schedule your FREE quote.