Dust is a natural part of life, but if you find that every flat surface in your home continues to get covered in it even after cleaning, your air ducts might need a clean. This could be a sign that they’re dirty and circulating contaminants around your home.
Rodent infestations in your ductwork can also cause issues. These vermin leave behind droppings and other debris that can contaminate your indoor air. Contact Air Duct Cleaning Salt Lake City for more details.
1. Unpleasant Smells
Bad smells are usually a sign that something is wrong and can indicate that debris is building up in the ventilation system. Foul odors are a surefire indicator that it’s time to call in an air duct cleaning technician to clean out the vents and make your home more comfortable.
One of the most common signs that your home’s ventilation system needs attention is the appearance or odor of mold. Moist environments like the inside of a duct are an ideal place for mold to grow. The spores can then circulate throughout your house and trigger respiratory issues in allergy sufferers or others with sensitivities to airborne irritants.
Mould can also be a sign of a leak in the ductwork. Moisture can find its way into the ducts from a variety of sources, including humidity and leaky or worn out insulation. The water can then cause corrosion, leading to the rotting of the ductwork. The resulting mold and mildew may produce an unpleasant musty smell.
Another sign that your air ducts need cleaning is if the living spaces in your house seem dustier than usual. This is because the air circulating through your ducts contains a lot of fine dust particles. Those particles then get pushed out into your living space each time the HVAC system runs, causing them to settle on surfaces. Professional cleaning will remove the trapped dust and reduce the need for constant dusting.
In the winter, when the heat is running frequently, your air ducts can accumulate dirt and debris. The contaminants get blown into your living space as the hot air passes through them, and can affect indoor air quality. Air duct cleaning can significantly improve indoor air quality and make it easier to enjoy your home’s amenities during the cold months.
Another reason to consider having your ducts cleaned is if you’ve recently undergone major renovations. Even if the contractors take special care to limit the amount of dust and debris they create, it’s likely that some of the mess will get into the ventilation system. This can clog vents and restrict airflow, so it’s best to have the ducts cleaned right after construction work is finished.
2. Dusty Air
Dusty air can be an indication that it’s time to get your ductwork cleaned. Dust is a common problem in many homes, but if your home seems to be getting dusty more frequently than usual, you may have dirty ducts. This is because dust and dirt buildup inside your ducts can be pushed out through the vents, where it settles on surfaces in your living space.
If you notice that areas on or around your registers and vents are getting dusty shortly after you’ve dusted them, this could be a sign that you need to schedule an air duct cleaning. A professional will use specialized tools to dislodge dust and dirt from your ducts, then vacuum the debris away with a high-powered vacuum cleaner. They may also apply a biocide to uninsulated portions of your ductwork to help control mold and other biological contaminants.
A clean air duct system will ensure that the conditioned air coming out of your vents is fresh and clean. Dirty ducts, on the other hand, can cause a lot of problems with your indoor air quality.
Dirty ducts can trap allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, which can then circulate throughout your home and trigger or worsen allergy symptoms in you or your family members. If you’ve noticed an increase in sneezing and coughing, especially during the changing seasons, it’s time to consider air duct cleaning.
Air duct cleaning can be a complex job, and it’s important to find a qualified contractor for the job. Look for certified NADCA professionals, and request references and a quote in writing before agreeing to the work.
A good contractor will inspect your ductwork before beginning the job, and they should be willing to provide you with detailed answers to any questions you might have. They should be able to explain how they’ll clean your ducts and why it’s necessary to do so. They should also be able to tell you about any moisture problems or visible signs of mold or pests in your ductwork. If they cannot, it’s probably best to move on to another company.
3. Indoor Allergies
Allergies occur when substances that are harmless to most people trigger an immune response in others. When this happens, the body releases antibodies that cause unpleasant symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and congestion. These substances are called allergens, and they can be found in the air, on surfaces and in many types of food. The type of allergy that a person has dictates which allergens will affect him or her. Common indoor allergies include dander from pets, dust mites, cockroaches and mold spores. Grass, weed and tree pollens are typical outdoor allergens that can also cause problems.
If your family members suffer from frequent, unexplained allergy or respiratory symptoms, consider having the home’s ductwork cleaned. This may reduce the amount of time they spend sick and may help them breathe easier. However, it’s a good idea to talk to an allergist first before you make a decision to have the ducts cleaned. The allergist can do tests to determine what the underlying cause of the problem is and recommend medication or other treatment.
Another sign that your ducts need cleaning is when you notice that the surface of furniture, walls and other objects in your home are coated with dust. This indicates that the ductwork is directing dust to these surfaces instead of into the living space.
It’s also a good idea to have your ducts cleaned if they are visibly contaminated with substantial amounts of mold, vermin or other biological growth. Be careful when selecting a contractor, as some may attempt to trick you into having unnecessary work done by demonstrating the presence of mold on a settling plate. Ask the service provider for laboratory confirmation of any apparent contamination, as some types of growth are normal and do not require removal.
Before committing to a company, request a written quote that outlines the total cost and scope of the work. Avoid companies that advertise exceptionally low prices, as these are often bait-and-switch tactics used to encourage you to book a service. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) provides a list of accredited contractors, and you can also check online reviews and request references.
4. Changes in Airflow
Air ducts help circulate the air in your home to keep you comfortable and cool. When they are full of dust and other debris, the airflow is affected. When this happens, your HVAC system has to work harder to cool your house. Over time, this can shorten the lifespan of your unit and increase your energy bills. A dirty air duct can also lead to condensation and mold growth, which can further damage your system.
If you notice that your energy bills are getting higher, it’s a good idea to have your air ducts checked out. This is because air duct cleaning can improve your system’s efficiency and reduce your energy bill. You can determine if your ductwork is in need of cleaning by checking the air supply and return vent covers. If they are visibly dirty both inside and outside, this is a sign that it’s time to get them cleaned.
It’s also a good idea to have your ductwork professionally cleaned if you’ve recently completed construction or renovations that produced a lot of dust in your home. When this happens, the dust can fall into the supply and return vents and contaminate your heating and cooling system. Duct cleaning can remove the buildup of dust and other debris from the ductwork before you start running your system again.
Allergies are another common sign that it’s time for duct cleaning. When ducts are dirty, they can collect allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. These allergens can then circulate throughout your home and cause allergy symptoms. If you or someone in your family is sneezing and coughing, it’s important to have your ductwork cleaned to eliminate these allergens.
Some service providers may recommend applying chemical biocides to the duct system to control the growth of mold. These biocides can contaminate your indoor air with harmful contaminants and should only be applied after the proper cleaning of the ducts. If you do decide to allow biocides to be applied, make sure they are used strictly according to label instructions and that you and your family leave the premises while it is being applied.