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We hear this question a lot. People often ask us “How can I tell if my air ducts need to be cleaned?”, which is not as easy to answer as it would seem. Having a clean HVAC system can help with allergies and lower your energy bills, but how often does the average house need air duct cleaning? The truth of the matter is that it depends on the home and the people living in it. Anyone with allergies or multiple pets might discover they have to get their air ducts cleaned every few years. Someone without the dirt of pets or kids might find they have to do it much more infrequently. Since there’s no such thing as the average home, here are a few ways to tell if the air ducts need to be cleaned in your home:
Do you notice puffs of dust coming out of your air register when the heating or cooling comes on? Try unscrewing your register and taking a peek inside. If there’s a buildup of dust and dirt, it’s time for a cleaning. And even if there isn’t, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear: keep an eye out for the other signs as well.
While you’re inspecting the inside of your air ducts, keep an eye out for signs of mold growth. Mold poses a serious health hazard, and can spread to other parts of your home. And remember, even if you can’t see it from the register, it could be growing in another, less-visible part of your HVAC system. Picture this: your air ducts are lined with mold or dirt. Each time air travels through the duct, it picks up dust droplets, debris, and mold spores and releases them into the air that you and your family breathe.
We know it’s disgusting, but rodents, insects, and other vermin can nest in air ducts that are overdue for a good cleaning. Look for droppings, shed skins, or scratch marks. If you see signs of an infestation, hire a professional to clean your air ducts immediately.
A clogged air filter can be both a symptom and a cause of dirty air ducts. Dust and other debris clog the filter to begin with, and because the filter is clogged it can’t properly circulate air through the duct work. And without strong airflow, it’s easier for dirt, mold, and allergens to accumulate.
Having trouble keeping up with the dusting? Dirty air ducts distribute dust around your house. So if you feel like your dusting job never lasts more than a couple days, your air ducts could be the culprit.
By following these tips, you can keep your air ducts clean and your home's indoor air quality high.
Air ducts are an important part of your home's HVAC system. They circulate air throughout your home, providing you with fresh, clean air. However, air ducts can become dirty over time, which can lead to a number of problems. If you think your air ducts may be dirty, it's important to check them regularly. Here's how to check your air ducts yourself:
The easiest way to check to find out if your air ducts are dirty is to simply take a look. If you can, take a vent cover off and look at the inside of your ducts. If there is a buildup of dust and debris than it could very well be time to clean your air ducts. Be aware that the return registers in your home may not be the most accurate indicator, since they pull in dusty air and will get dustier much faster than the rest of your air duct system!
While every home is going to gradually have dust settle in their duct system, there are countless external factors that can speed up the process. Living on an unpaved road or by a sandy beach can increase the amount of dirt that gets tracked into your home and pulled into your ducts. Anyone with pets will who are prone to shedding will attest that they do so everywhere, with some of it undoubtedly getting pulled into your ductwork. A little pet hair of dust in the ducts can go unnoticed for years, but if you have allergies to dust or pet dander you might find that you want to have air duct cleaning more frequently.
Even new homes can sometimes need their air ducts cleaned, especially after the construction phase. Drywall dust, sawdust, and other fine particulates can keep getting recirculated through your home, making it seem like you have to dust very often. Air duct cleaning can remove the drywall dust and any other construction debris behind in the ductwork of your new home.
If you're not comfortable checking your air ducts yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. A professional can clean your air ducts and remove any mold or mildew that may be present.
If you’re unsure about your air ducts, or if you’re worried you might have problems with mold or pests, you can have a professional come out to do an inspection. They will be able to advise you as to whether your ductwork needs a full cleaning.
Unfortunately, if you have mold inside your air ducts, it may or may not be visible. Do you or any of your family members suffer from allergies, asthma, or are sensitive to molds? Then it's wise to get your air ducts inspected and cleaned. Likewise, if you have pets, have had previous infestation with rodents, or have a smoker in your home. If you've recently done construction work, refinished floors, painted, or done any type of remodeling, cleaning your air ducts ensures debris from those projects won't stay lodged in your air ducts and enter the air you breathe. Of course, when you buy a new home, you want to give the ducts a thorough cleaning since you won't know when they were last cleaned. On way to tell if your ducts need a professional cleaning is to inspect the cold-air return vents. Are they unsoiled or do you see a build-up of dirt and debris? If they're not clean, there's a good chance the ducts aren't either. Another sign to look for is dust or debris coming out of the air vents in your home. If you open up your air conditioning unit or furnace and see the build-up of dust or debris, it's time to have your air ducts cleaned and inspected. Likewise, if you notice your air filters are getting dirty faster. Don't forget moisture creates the ideal environment for mold to grow. So, if you have problems with moisture, get your air ducts cleaned. Also, if you or a family member is experiencing allergy symptoms, dirty air ducts may be the cause. Don't forget - cleaning your air ducts, with the help of a professional air duct cleaner, can improve the quality of the air you breathe and that's vital for health.
If you decide to schedule a cleaning, Modernistic can help. Our technicians are NADCA certified to give you the highest-quality care. So take a look at our video to learn more about our process, and schedule a cleaning when you’re ready.
