March 29, 2023
How Do I Know If My Air Ducts Need To Be Cleaned?
Air duct cleaning is an important part of maintaining good and comfortable air quality in your home. As dirt, dust, pet dander, and other contaminants accumulate in the air ducts, this can potentially affect the health of you and your family. There are a few signs that can help you know when to call a professional HVAC technician to clean your air ducts for you. As you stay on top of your air duct cleaning, you can avoid breathing in harmful pollutants and allergens, as well as improve the overall performance of your HVAC system. Read our guide to learn what signs you should be looking for and when it is time to clean your air ducts.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?
How often you should clean your air ducts can depend on several factors. Here are a few factors to consider:
- The quality of your home’s air filtration system
- How many people are living in your home
- Whether or not anyone in your home has allergies or respiratory issues
- If you have any pets
- Live with smokers
- Visible mold or water damage
- Right after home renovations
It is recommended that you hire a professional to clean your home at least every 3-5 years. If you start to notice excessive dust building up in your HVAC system or that you start to develop any type of respiratory issues, then you may want to schedule someone more frequently. Hiring a professional to clean your air ducts can prevent potential health hazards and keep your air quality fresh.
Signs Your Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned
If you are not sure if your air ducts are due for a cleaning, there are a few common signs that you are definitely going to want to look out for. Remember, if you are still feeling unsure, a professional HVAC technician can also inspect your system and provide recommendations. Be sure to look out for these signs:
Visible Dirt or Debris in Vents and Ducts
Air ducts don’t typically release visible dust or debris when the HVAC system is turned on. If you start to notice visible dust flowing through your ducts, this means that it is time to clean out your air ducts.
Poor Air Flow
When your cooling or heating system does not provide enough air flow, then this could be a sign that your air filters are clogged. Your filters could be trapping pet dander, debris, and other airborne contaminants.
Foul Odors Coming From the Ducts
If you suddenly notice an unpleasant smell in your home and have no idea where it is coming from, then this could mean that it is coming from your air ducts. It is important that you check for this right away in case the smell is coming from mold or a rodent infestation.
Allergies or Respiratory Problems
If anyone in your home suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, then you are definitely going to want to clean your air ducts more frequently. When your HVAC system circulates air, pet dander, dust, and pollen can spread throughout the home and make it harder to breathe.
Heating and Cooling Bills Are Higher
When the ductwork is blocked, air cannot flow the way it is supposed to. This can cause the heating and cooling system to work harder and use more energy. If you notice a sudden change in cooling and heating costs, then it might be time for a cleaning.
Unusual Noises
Your ductwork should never make weird and unusual noises. You probably know by now what it should sound like and when there is a difference. As soon as you notice a difference from the usual motor sound, this could mean that the air ducts could be having issues.
What Are the Benefits of Cleaning Out Your Air Ducts
Many homeowners focus on keeping their home clean and tidy, but often they overlook the importance of cleaning their HVAC system’s air duct filters. Dirty air ducts lead to poor indoor air quality, reduced energy efficiency, and potential damage to your HVAC system. Regular air duct cleaning can provide a variety of benefits. Here are some benefits to look forward to:
- Improved Indoor Air Quality
- Extended HVAC System Lifespan
- Increase Energy Efficiency
- Reduce Allergy Symptoms
- And More!
Overall, regular air duct cleaning is an important part to maintaining a healthy and efficient home environment. Get in the habit of keeping your home’s HVAC system clean!
Ready to Clean Your Air Ducts?
If you are in need of air duct cleaning, contact So Fresh, So Clean today! We are here to help you maintain a healthy and clean home for your family. We also offer services in dryer vent cleaning and flood restoration.
We serve residents in Salt Lake City, Davis, and Utah Counties. Call us for a free quote on your next air duct cleaning.