4 Signs You Need to Clean Your Air Ducts

Just like any other appliance in your home, your home’s cooling system will work better if it receives regular maintenance. Air duct cleaning is one of the services that should be considered to guarantee the lifetime of your whole heating and cooling system. 

Even though you should replace your filters every month, your home’s HVAC system becomes filthy due to normal daily usage. Unfortunately, your air ducts are a popular hiding spot for dust, dirt, and allergens. That dust and grime are full of toxins and air pollutants that may not only degrade the quality of your indoor air but they can also make your HVAC system work harder than it should. Not only does this raise your energy costs, but it also has the potential to reduce the lifetime of your system severely.

Here are giveaways of dirty air ducts: 

Mold

When it comes to dust, we are all well aware of its dangers to our health. However, mold is a whole other story! Not only may it aggravate allergies and respiratory issues, but it also has the potential to spread rapidly throughout your house. 

Condensation may form in your heating and cooling system, contributing to mold development in your ductwork and other areas (especially if you live in a humid climate). It’s possible to see mold growing around your vent covers, but since many components of your heating and cooling system aren’t readily accessible, mold in your air ducts is particularly tough to detect visually. Many homeowners find that the first indication of mold they notice is a musty stench that just won’t go away. 

If you discover mold in your air ducts, it’s critical to respond immediately to maintain the indoor air quality of your home’s environment. An air duct cleaning expert will detect and treat any mold problems that may have occurred and assist in preventing their recurrence. In addition to duct cleaning, you should take extra measures to prevent excessive moisture from building up in your house, such as installing a whole-home dehumidifier.

Dust

Even the cleanest houses may contain dirt, dust, pet dander, and other hazardous pollutants lurking in the air ducts, leading to respiratory problems. Once in a while, you may even see dust pouring out of the vents while your HVAC system is turned on! Inspection of supply and return air vents throughout your home is recommended. While you can do small checks by yourself, regular professional inspections are always recommended.

Make sure to change the air filters in your HVAC system regularly to avoid further dust accumulation. You may also use an air purifier to clean the air. Dust, cigarette smoke, and germs may all be trapped by filters and air purifiers, which operate in conjunction with your HVAC system to prevent them from entering the ductwork.

Pest Infestations

Mice, squirrels, and insects are all capable of making their way into your air ducts from time to time. Naturally, these rodents leave behind a slew of germs in their tracks. When rats get access to your ductwork, they construct nests and deposit droppings, which cause microscopic fecal spores to be spread throughout the system. These spores may then find their way into your house, where they can degrade the air quality you breathe. 

Unfortunately, rats like taking up home in ductwork and will gnaw their way into the system if an opening is not well sealed. Once they’ve moved in, your home’s ductwork serves as a personal highway for rats, who use it to travel around your house and into your attic. An indication of a rat infestation is droppings, but you may also notice chewed-up materials and a foul odor.

Rising Energy Costs

It is preferable if your heating and cooling expenses are reasonably predictable from year to year. If you get a bill that seems to be much higher than usual, particularly when compared to the same time last year, it is possible that filthy ductwork is to blame. 

At times, ductwork may get clogged with debris, making it impossible for air to move freely and effectively through your home’s heating and cooling system. That results in your furnace and an air conditioner working more to keep the temperature at an acceptable level. This increased energy consumption translates into higher utility costs.

Final Thoughts

Attempting to clean the air ducts in your house is not something you should try on your own. It is a complicated procedure that requires extensive HVAC system expertise and the use of specialist equipment. Cleaners of air ducts utilize commercial-grade vacuum systems and powered brushes to loosen and remove dirt and debris from your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Air duct cleaning experts are also trained to identify additional issues with an HVAC system that the typical homeowner may not know how to identify.

If you are looking for a reliable air duct cleaning in Calgary, you can always rely at Canada Unified Services Inc. We offer expert cleaning services that suit your needs. Contact us today to get your free estimates!