Professional HVAC system cleaners may make excessive promises regarding the health advantages of their services. The Environmental Protection Agency states that there is no proof that duct cleaning may reduce health issues. Studies haven't been able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that unclean air ducts cause an increase in particle levels, such as dust, in dwellings." Put simply, it's unlikely that particles attached to the walls of the air ducts will come out of the vent and harm you.
Pollution is more likely to originate from other sources. If you want to reduce allergies and other impurities, buy an air purifier with a HEPA filter or put one in your ducting. Maintain your HVAC systems regularly. If your air conditioner isn't cooling effectively, it's more likely because of a blocked filter than a dirty duct.
However, the EPA recommends duct cleaning "as needed," particularly in the presence of visible mold on duct surfaces, rodent or insect infestation, or visible dust particles discharging from vents. Cleaning your air conditioning system's heating and cooling components might also improve performance. These consist of the heat exchanger, blower, and evaporator coil. Ensure the expert air duct cleaning service you choose takes care of these parts.
If it hasn't already, your air conditioner is set to kick into high gear as the weather gets warmer! Air duct cleaning is only one of the services to think about to maintain the lifespan of your complete HVAC system. Regular maintenance improves your home's cooling system, just like for your car or any other oversized item.
Your home's HVAC system becomes dirty with constant usage, even with regular filter replacements, and sadly, your air ducts are a favored hiding place for dust, debris, and allergies. That dirt and dust are full of impurities and air pollutants that can degrade the air quality inside your home and make your system work harder. This can drastically reduce your system's lifespan and raise your energy costs.
Are you curious as to whether your ducts require cleaning? These are five clear signs that your air ducts are unclean!
1) Mold
While we are all aware of the harmful effects of dust on our health, mold is an entirely different story! It may rapidly spread throughout your house and aggravate respiratory issues and allergies.
Mold can form in your ductwork due to humidity from your heating and cooling system (mainly if you live in a humid region). Mold in your air ducts is challenging to detect physically, as many parts of your heating and cooling system are concealed. You may see mold around your vent covers. Still, mold typically manifests as a musty stench, even if it might be hard to spot.
It's critical to act fast to maintain the indoor air quality of your house if mold is present in your air ducts. Any mold problems may be found and fixed by an air duct cleaning specialist, who can also assist in stopping the mold from growing again.
2) Dust
Is your house dusty no matter how often you clean? Dusting is not an excellent activity, but it is something we all have to do sometimes. If you find that every flat surface in your home is covered in dust quickly after putting away your cleaning products, you should get your ducts cleaned!
Even the cleanest houses can include dirt, dust, pet dander, and other dangerous toxins in their air ducts. When the air conditioning system turns on, you can see dust streaming out of the vents! Examine the air supply and return vents throughout your home.
Make sure you regularly replace the air filters in your HVAC system to avoid further dust accumulation. You can also use air purifiers. Both filters and air purifiers operate with your HVAC system to capture a range of airborne particles, such as dust, tobacco smoke, and germs, before they enter the ductwork.
3) Rodents or Insects Infest the Ducts
Insects, squirrels, and mice may occasionally enter your air ducts. These rodents naturally leave behind a wide variety of germs. Rodents that get into your ductwork build nests and leave behind droppings that cause little fecal spores to travel down the ducts. The air you breathe may become contaminated when these spores find their way into your house.
Unfortunately, rats enjoy living in ducts and will nibble through the insulation or locate an open entrance. If mice are in your ductwork, they will leave some unmistakable indicators, such as droppings, chewed-up items, and foul odors, all of which suggest an infestation.
Remember that cleaning your air ducts alone might not be enough to deal with a rodent infestation! Ignoring the problem might result in major structural damage, an inefficient HVAC system, and increased energy expenses.
4) Your home was recently built or has had a major renovation.
The construction process is messy. Dust and debris will always find a way in, even from contractors who take great care to keep the rest of the site clean by clearing out and sealing off work areas. Unless the HVAC system is turned on and covered throughout the building process (which is impossible for most households), dirt and dust will almost indeed find their way into your ductwork.
Addressing this issue as soon as possible is essential to prevent respiratory problems from developing since construction and renovation dust can contain some highly unpleasant particles you don't want to breathe.
5) Increasing Energy Prices
Your heating and cooling expenditures should be relatively consistent from year to year. If you receive an unusually high bill, particularly compared to the same time last year, unclean ducting might be at fault.
Sometimes, the dirtiest ductwork makes it impossible for air to pass through your home's HVAC system freely and effectively. Your air conditioner and furnace will have to work more to keep the temperature at a suitable level when this occurs. You and your family will pay higher utility bills as a result of this increased energy usage.
Another thing you could notice is that certain areas in your house don't have as much airflow as others, such as bathrooms and bedrooms. When vents are fully open, airflow from room to room should typically be fairly constant. Unclean air ducts may be the cause of inconsistency.
Need to Clean Your Air Ducts? Hire a professional!
Cleaning your home's air ducts yourself is not a good idea. It's a complex procedure that requires certain equipment and an in-depth understanding of HVAC systems. Professional air duct cleaners remove dirt and debris from your home's HVAC system using powerful brushes and commercial-grade vacuum equipment. Air duct cleaning technicians are also trained to identify additional issues with an HVAC system that the ordinary homeowner may be unaware of.
Scams may occur in the home improvement sector with air duct cleaning, just like in many other jobs. Avoid dealing with air duct cleaning businesses that claim meager prices or guarantee a speedy service. If an offer seems too good to be true, it most often is! So follow your gut!
When the time comes to repair those air ducts, be sure to work with a certified contractor to guarantee quality work.
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