What's better than going inside and standing next to a cool air vent on a hot summer day? Not a whole lot!
But what if you came back into your home, ready to enjoy the chilly AC air, only to discover that the vent doesn't seem to be blowing very much, if any, cold air? Nothing is quite as frustrating as that.
Why Air Ducts are Important
Air ducts deliver cool air straight to you. They not only handle the task of delivering cool air in the summer months and warm air in the winter, but they also deliver air that has been circulated and filtered. They are meant to transport clean air around your home.
How Often You Should Clean Air Ducts
But, just like every other household appliance, air ducts need routine cleaning to perform at their best. Most experts recommend that property owners clean their air ducts every two to five years. Things like allergies, respiratory conditions, and pets can make the need for this kind of cleaning more urgent.
How to Know When Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
How do you know if your air ducts need cleaning? Here are six simple hints that might be good indicators that your home is in need of this service:
Limited Air Flow
Every vent in your home should have the same amount of airflow. Dust and debris can gather in air ducts and block airflow, making some areas in your house cooler or warmer than others. So, if you notice that one or more rooms in your home have different temperatures, it might be a sign that you need an air duct cleaning.
Loud Noises
Do your air ducts rattle or whistle when air flows through them? When the air kicks on, does it sound like you live near the ocean during hurricane season? These sounds might also be a good indicator that your air ducts need cleaning.
A rattle or whistle in your air ducts could be due to trapped dust and debris. Loud noises could mean that your HVAC is working extra hard to deliver clean air, which is its way of telling you the system needs cleaning.
Poor Air Quality
Allergies are among the most common annoyances in the spring and fall. If your eyes are watering and your nose is running in the winter, you might have dirty air ducts. If you notice that your urge to grab a tissue has increased at any time of the year, you should consider cleaning your ducts.
High Utility Bills
If you notice that your utility bill has increased but your rates haven't changed, it's likely that your HVAC is working extra hard to circulate and deliver your home's air. This could be due to dust and dirt build-up in the vent.
Dusty Vent Covers
Dusty and dirty vent covers are a clear signal that your air ducts need cleaning. An unusual amount of dust throughout your home or in a particular room is also a good indication that there may be a lot of dust in your air ducts.
Unpleasant Smell
Unpleasant smells can come from anywhere, but if you smell the following, it may be a good sign that you need to check on and clean your air ducts:
Mold or mildew: The smell isn't lying. It's likely that there is mold or mildew in your vents.
Burning: Trapped dust and debris can cause a burning smell to waft through your home. This smell could mean that your HVAC system is overheating. Your air filter and ducts may need a thorough cleaning to ensure you are getting quality, clean air.
Each of these air duct cleaning hints can help you and your guests breathe easier in your home. Don't wait until the problem has gotten worse. If you notice these signs, reach out to Zerorez® to schedule an air duct cleaning today.