How To Tell If Air Ducts Need Cleaning?

Air quality is one important component of any space, especially closed areas that rely on HVAC systems. A clean air duct is good for the lungs and well-being of a person. If you inspect the duct or observe that something is wrong with your HVAC, it is time to do an initial inspection. If the vent and filters become dusty and seem to block the airflow, it is time to call for a cleaning rescue.

It may be hard at first to know when cleaning should be done, and knowing the signs when to have them cleaned is a challenge, especially if not an expert. Professional cleaning services will ensure that you get the air quality you desire and need for a healthy home and workspace. Pointing out when cleaning should be done and contacting a cleaning service provider will certainly be an additional skill.

Dust and Debris Clogging the Ducts

Dust is the primary contaminant that will lodge in the air ducts. As air flows, it can carry dust, and as it accumulates, it can cause the duct systems to clog. Since dust can move around the HVAC, it can also clog the filters, outlets, and vents, affecting the airflow.

Aside from that, you may also observe a change in how the machine works, like less air output that can be caused by the dust that accumulated for a long time.

If this is the case, do an initial examination. If you think that dust is causing the change in the airflow,  then it is time for cleaning.

Molds, Bacteria Build-Up and Bad Odor

As HVAC works, moisture may get trapped or lodge on the components, which is certainly a perfect place for mold and bacteria to grow. The build-up of mold and bacteria colonies sometimes can cause a funky odor in your duct system.

This is a  major issue in your air ducts since some of these molds can be a potent allergic trigger to some people causing health issues. Over time, these molds can disperse through air and unpleasant odor via your duct system that can risk everyone in the building.

Here are some of the characteristics of common molds you can see in your air ducts to help you differentiate them from ordinary debris. Once you spot them, call immediately cleaning service to eliminate them:

• Form: Some mold species, including Chaetomium and Acremonium, are commonly present in air ducts. These molds appear on damp areas around the ducts like walls, cooling coils, and window sealants. You can distinguish them from dust because of their powdery and cottony appearance.
• You can use color to tell mold apart from dust. Some molds possess white, orangey, or black coloration, such as Stachybotrys. Another mold, Trichoderma, is easily distinguishable because of its white and green color that looks like spores. Color makes it easy to identify molds from dust, but you should be cautious when examining them since some molds are toxic, especially children.

Ensure that duct, especially mold cleaning, should be done properly because if not, this problem will just recur. So, it is recommended to hire trained duct cleaners to solve this problem.

Presence of Pests and Droppings

The presence of dust, dirt, and moisture can give pests a breeding ground, such as crickets, cockroaches, and rats. Leaving air ducts untreated or unchecked for a long time will allow them to inhabit these spots.

The presence of pest eggs and droppings can cause your duct system to clog and might release unpleasant odor through time that will make your space uncomfortable. These organisms like rats might also start gnawing or inhabiting parts of the dust system like filters that can affect your HVAC’s overall performance, including serious structural damage.

Aside from duct cleaning services, you might also consider getting pest extermination services if the infestation is high to ensure they do not return.

A More Humid Air

If you have noticed a sudden change in your air becoming more humid, this can be a sign that you have to get your air ducts cleaned. As it sits longer inside the ducts, the cool air will stay inside than pumped out of your vents. Once the ducts get clogged with particulates, it will start to take a toll on your air humidity.

Noticeably Higher Electric Bills

A duct system that needs to be cleaned and leaks can reduce the HVAC’s ability to cool or warm your space; hence it can cause high electric bills. However, it is not always the case but could be the reason.

The coils and thermostat need to run harder and longer to give the air quality needed, which can be associated with high electricity consumption. This will waste your duct system’s energy and efficiency, hence adding up to your utility bill. If you have noticed this lately, then maybe you can opt to have your duct system checked by a professional to check if it’s causing this rising energy cost.

Hire a trained air duct technician, especially if you are dealing with this issue, since they will not remove harmful contaminants and patch out potential leaks and damage.

A Major Home Repair or Renovation Is Done

Home and building repair or renovation may also call for duct cleaning services. Construction can get messy sometimes, and your ductwork is not exempted from this. As renovation is done, it is most likely that dust and other particles can get inside the HVAC unless it is fully covered during the construction.

It is better to have them checked before enjoying your newly-renovated space to avoid respiratory problems caused by unclean particles and potential leaks.

Make Sure to Hire A Professional

Duct cleaning is not as easy as wiping off the dust but is a thorough cleaning process ideally done by a professional. It requires knowledge of HVAC systems and special tools that you may not have. So the next time you see any signs of a dirty air duct, do not hesitate to call a trained duct cleaning professional to do the job right!