Know What Could Be Hiding in Your Ducts
If you have a centralized HVAC system, all the air in your home passes through air ducts as it journeys through your property. As it travels, your air can pick up all kinds of harmful particles, from irritating allergens to dangerous mold spores, and deposit them throughout your ducts. Eventually, these particles get picked up again and start circulating with your air, leaving you and your loved ones vulnerable to obliviously inhaling these microscopic threats.
When to Clean Out Dust and Dirt
The professional consensus among ductwork experts is that air ducts should be cleaned every 3-5 years. But every home is different and will accumulate dirt and dust at a different rate. Know how to spot the signs that dust, dirt, and other particulates are building up in your ducts, then call the professionals to get them cleaned.
You Should Consider Getting Your Ducts Cleaned If:
- You suspect mold or mildew may be present in your home
- You see insects or rodents congregating around vents
- Surfaces located near vents are getting dusty faster than other surfaces in your home
- You have pets that are shedding more hair than usual
- Changing your air filter hasn’t helped improve your indoor air quality
- Strange noises are coming from your ducts
- You’ve just moved into a new home, or are preparing to move out
Faulty Ducts Could Impact Your Comfort
Ducts aren’t just vulnerable to dirt. Like every other structure, they can get damaged or degrade over time. Additionally, airflow through your ducts can knock things out of alignment or cause leaks and cracks. Broken air ducts can be a messy and expensive issue to deal with, and it’s best to get them serviced early, before they damage the structures around them or waste valuable cooled and heated air.
How to Spot the Signs that Your Ducts Need Help:
- Take a good look at your ducts. Search for any visible holes, warping, or gaps.
- Feel around for small leaks and fissures.
- If you have flexible ducts, check to make sure they aren’t twisted or kinked
- Make sure airflow in your home is consistent and strong. Weak airflow may be a result of a ductwork issue.
- Check to make sure your energy bills are consistent. An unusual spike could be the result of air escaping through flaws in your ducts.
Take Care of Your Ducts with Filters and Purifiers
Keeping your air free of particulates is a great way to protect your ducts. Use filters, air purifiers, and other indoor air quality tools to limit the buildup of dirt, dust, and bacteria in your ducts. This will keep them cleaner and prevent the gradual damage that some airborne substances can cause.
