Indicators Your HVAC Ducts Need Cleaning
Air ducts are some of the most important components in any HVAC system, controlling everything from air flow to air quality and more. Air ducts should be cleaned periodically to maintain both these areas, and there are certain cases where specific signs will indicate that it’s time for your ducts to go through a professional cleanout.
At Accurate Air, we’re happy to provide air duct cleaning and several other air quality services for clients around Tempe and Scottsdale, helping keep their ducts working optimally for everything from clean air to efficient operations and more. While some clients simply choose to have their ducts cleaned at pre-determined intervals, others wait for specific signs that their ducts need cleaning – here are some examples of such indicators.
Vent Cover Buildup
Starting with some of the smaller or less noticeable indicators, one common sign that your air ducts may need cleaning is a buildup of dust or debris on your vent covers. These are the grills you see covering up the actual vents in various rooms of the home – they’re meant to keep out larger debris particles from entering the system, but if you start to see significant amounts building up here, it’s often a sign that your ducts are overdue for cleaning.
In these cases, it’s often useful to take an observation from your furnace filter as well. If you notice that the furnace filter is clogged or dirty, it may be time to schedule a duct cleaning soon.
Lingering Dust
For some homes with particularly poor air quality or lots of debris particles in the air regularly, dust and other materials will begin to linger on surfaces. If you find yourself wiping off surfaces more often than usual, this could be a sign that your air ducts are in need of cleaning. Dust particles can build up in the ducts and then spread throughout the home, leading to more frequent dusting and surface cleaning needs.
Mold Growth
In some cases, mold growth within the home can also be traced back to dirty air ducts. Mold spores can enter the system and begin to grow in ducts, then spread throughout the home via your HVAC system’s airflow. If you notice mold growth anywhere in the home, it’s always worth checking with an expert about whether this could be related to dirty or contaminated air ducts in some way.
Mold is not only a health hazard, but it can also cause damage to your home’s structure and require costly repairs if left unchecked. Don’t hesitate to get a professional opinion on potential mold growth in the home.
Significant Noise from Ducts
When your system is running, you should hear a low-level hum from the air ducts – this is normal. However, if you start to hear loud banging or other significant noises coming from the ducts during regular operation, it could be a sign that they’re blocked with debris and need to be cleaned out.
Now, it’s also possible that a few other issues could be causing these noises, such as a loose connection somewhere in the system. But if you’re also noticing other signs of dirty ducts, loud noises may confirm that it’s time for a cleaning.
Rodent or Insect Signs
In other cases, the primary issue in your ducts that will require cleaning may not even be dust or debris – instead, it might be the presence of rodents or insects. These pests can enter your ductwork and create nests or leave droppings, affecting both air quality and overall system efficiency.
If you start to see signs of rodent or insect activity in the home, getting your ducts checked and cleaned is a smart idea.
Poor Airflow
To be clear, poor airflow has several potential causes, and some are more serious than others. In some cases, the issue may be related to a clogged filter or other simple item – but if you’ve ruled these possibilities out and are still experiencing poor airflow throughout the home, it’s worth considering whether dirty ducts could be a factor.
For instance, if you’re noticing that some rooms are getting less airflow than others, this may be due to debris blockages in the ducts leading to those areas. In other cases, it could be a sign of more significant buildup throughout the entire system.
Strange Smells
Finally, strange or unpleasant odors coming from your vents are another potential indicator that dirty ducts might need attention. Musty or moldy smells are often linked to mold growth in the ducts, while other unpleasant odors could be traced back to debris buildup and stagnation.
If you’re noticing these kinds of smells on a regular basis, it’s worth at least having your air ducts inspected by a professional. They can tell you whether cleaning is necessary or if there may be another cause for the smells.
If any of these indicators sound familiar to you, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Accurate Air for professional air duct cleaning services. Our team will thoroughly inspect and clean your ducts to ensure that you’re breathing in only the best quality air inside your home. Get in touch with us today to learn about these or any of our other heating and air services for clients around Tempe and Scottsdale.