Your air ducts accumulate all sorts of dirt, dust, dander, and pollen over the years. While it is easy to ignore them (they are pretty much hidden after all!), they are an important component of your HVAC system. The air you breathe circulates throughout your ductwork several times, so you want to make sure you’re getting clean, conditioned air. To ensure you are keeping your ductwork clean and safe, here are some telltale signs your air ducts need cleaning, by the pros at American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical!
- Your Home is Excessively Dusty
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- If you notice that no matter how hard you dust, clean, and vacuum your home it is still dusty, you might need your air ducts clean. A dusty vent or register is another sign of dirty ductwork as is dust appearing to come out of your vents every time your unit starts its cycle. Excess dust can cause allergies and reduce your indoor air quality.
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- Signs of Mold
Mold is a fungus that can grow in the damper areas of your home, including your ductwork. Often time your ducts can develop condensation with air constantly passing through them. Mold is attracted to that moisture and starts to grow. Mold growth can also cause allergies and respiratory problems—in addition, it can be frustrating to get rid of. If you ignore it for too long, you will need to call a mold remediation specialist to come to remove it.
- Signs of Mold
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- Signs of Rodents, Pests, or Insects
If you notice any signs of pests or rodents around your home (skittering, droppings, etc.) there might be a chance that they came through your ductwork. They have razor-sharp teeth that can chew through many types of materials! Rodents and pests often make nests in ductwork and can leave behind droppings and bacteria, which make their way into your home and worsen your indoor air quality.
- Signs of Rodents, Pests, or Insects
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- Your Home Has Gone Through a Renovation
If your home has gone through a major renovation, the construction can leave behind a lot of material like dust and dirt. These dust particles can make their way into your ducts. After you have your home renovated, it might be a good idea to have an HVAC technician inspect your ducts for any debris or dirt. This way you can avoid any of the other costs of duct cleaning, mold remediation, etc.
- Your Home Has Gone Through a Renovation
- Energy Costs Increasing
Lastly, if you notice your heating and cooling costs increasing, there might be a chance that your ducts are dirty. Not only does dirty ductwork worsen your indoor air quality, but it can also reduce airflow throughout your home. This might force your HVAC unit to work harder to cool or heat your home, which can lead to an increase in energy bills.
Notice any of these signs that your air ducts need cleaning? Get in touch with the pros at American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical! Call us today at (407) 603-4410 or schedule a service with us on our website.