Air ducts are an essential component in your AC that aids in
disturbing cooled air. With time, however, your ducts can clog with dust, dirt,
allergens, and debris and require cleaning. Overlooking air duct cleaning can
result in poor indoor air quality, lower AC lifespan, and high energy bills.
Learn six telltale signs your AC is due for air duct cleaning.
You Notice Mold Growth
Mold growth in your ducts can be catastrophic due to three
reasons. First, it can spread quickly throughout your home since the ducts
carry it as they distribute cooled air. Second, once in your home, mold can
cause significant property damage. It harms walls, carpets, upholstery, and furniture.
Third, mold is notorious for causing numerous health
problems, such as headaches, sneezing, itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, and
skin irritation. If you notice mold in your vent covers or sense a musty odor
in your home, call a professional to inspect and clean your ducts.
You Suspect Rodent Infestation
Rodents such as rats, squirrels, and insects can invade your
ducts through holes or cracks. The bad thing about rodents is that they
contaminate your home's air with droppings, microbes, and bacteria. Signs of
rodents in your ducts are foul odors, visible droppings, and chewed materials.
Consider hiring a professional to clean your ducts once you
suspect rodents in your ducts. Ignoring them can result in severe damage to
your ducts as well as insulation and crawl space. Also, ensure that you seal
any holes and cracks allowing the rodents in your vents and home.
You Have Skyrocketing Energy Costs
While many AC issues can lead to increased energy bills,
dirty and clogged air ducts could be the culprit. When the ducts have dust and
debris, they can compromise airflow in your home.
As a result, your AC needs to work harder and use
significant energy to cool your home and attain the desired temperature,
resulting in high utility bills. In addition, holes and cracks in your ductwork
can raise energy bills since cooled air is lost before reaching all rooms.
You Have Renovated Your Home
Renovation projects, whether a kitchen, bathroom, or living
room remodel, are exciting. However, they can hurt your indoor air quality as
dust and cement get into your ducts.
While you can cover your vents during a construction
project, you cannot prevent all dust and construction debris from making its
way to the ductwork. Therefore, be on the safe side and schedule duct cleaning
after a renovation.
Your Home Is Increasingly Dusty
Although a bit of dust is commonplace in your home, high
levels of dust are usually not. When you notice visible dust with no apparent
cause, your air ducts could be the culprit. Perhaps your air ducts have
accumulated dust and are dispersing it throughout your home.
The dust may escalate when you switch on the AC, and no
amount of cleaning may eliminate it. Like mold, dust can lead to health
concerns such as respiratory issues. Cleaning the ducts gets rid of dust
buildup for a fresher and healthier home.
You Can't Recall Your Last Duct Cleaning
Typically, you should schedule duct cleaning every few
years. If you can't remember the last time you cleaned your ducts, your ducts
are good candidates for cleaning. Although your ducts may not show any signs of
dust and debris, cleaning is invaluable.
Air duct cleaning is not a DIY project, and you should leave
the task to professionals. Trying to clean the ducts yourself could result in
massive and costly damage to your ducts. Also, professionals have the necessary
training and equipment to handle the task seamlessly to enhance your indoor air
quality and increase your AC's efficiency.
Contact
C.J. Services, Inc.
, for
air duct inspection and cleaning in Gulf Coast, Mississippi. We use specialized
vacuum systems to get rid of debris, dust, and vermin from your ducts so that
only air circulates in them.
