How to Tell If Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning

Your heating, cooling, and ventilation system is constantly running on high gear to provide you with an optimal level of comfort throughout the year. Like any appliance, your HVAC equipment needs regular maintenance to perform at an optimal level.

Curious how to tell whether your air ducts need cleaning? Are you seeing tiny particles of dust or pet dander flying around your home? 

Do you see a buildup of dirt on your air vents? Does the air not feel fresh enough around your indoor space? Is there uneven heating or cooling from one room to the next? All these occurrences could indicate that your air ducts might need a thorough, comprehensive cleaning.

Attic Air Duct 01.jpg

Do Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?

Yes! Even if you replace the filters regularly, your HVAC system can get increasingly dirty with continued use. You might be surprised to know that your air ducts can become the ideal lurking ground for dirt, allergens, dust, and other airborne pollutants to linger. 

Consequences of Poor Indoor Air Quality

It might seem like some dust or dander is an inconvenience more than anything else. However, dirty air ducts can have many negative consequences if not addressed effectively. Not only can an unclean air duct affect indoor air quality, but it can also cause an increase in your energy bills. 

Screen Shot 2022 02 24 At 10.58.03 AM.png
Replacing Ductwork 768x512.jpg

Increased Energy Consumption

When an air duct is clogged, the host of airborne particles and contaminants will affect your HVAC system’s heating and cooling capabilities. Blocked heat exchangers will not warm air effectively during cold weather. 

Consequently, in hot weather, the dirty condensing coils will also underperform. Contaminated air ducts can put immense stress on the system and make it work harder to keep your indoors warm or cold.

Uneven and Restricted Airflow

The HVAC unit cannot circulate warm or cold air evenly throughout your property. The airflow in a duct becomes restricted due to debris, dirt, dust, and other particles. An excessive accumulation of dirt in the air filters can affect the performance of the motor or the blower fan.

Uneven And Restricted Airflow 1024x683
AdobeStock 352119329 Scaled.jpeg

Decreased Lifespan of HVAC Equipment

HVAC equipment is an expensive investment, and with proper care, you can prolong its lifespan. On the other hand, if you never clear your air ducts, the heating and cooling units run overtime to maintain desirable temperatures indoors. 

Heavy run times can lead to faster wear and tear and reduce the life of your system.

Ducts Can Be Infested with Rodents and Pests

It is not uncommon for various pests and rodents, such as roaches, squirrels, or mice, to make their way into the ductwork. Their droppings, sheddings, and leftover food can infiltrate into your indoor air through the ducts. 

Duct cleaning can help eliminate infestations, thus also preventing structural damage that rodents and insects could cause.

Untitled Design 2021 11 12T131756.050.png
Untitled Design 2021 11 12T132143.266.png

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Your HVAC system provides heating and cooling and plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. An under-maintained air duct system can allow air pollutants and contaminants to enter your living spaces. 

These airborne particles include dead skin, hair, dust mites, pollen, fungi, mold spores, and more. A well-maintained HVAC and air duct system can be vital in keeping your air clean and detecting any toxic gasses, such as carbon monoxide.

Harmful Health Consequences

The quality of the air you breathe indoors is vital for enhanced health and well-being. An increased level of allergens and airborne particulate matter can have harmful health effects. 

No matter how often you clean your house, the air generated from a faulty system will constantly disperse allergens on surfaces. 

Outdated Insulation Health Risk.jpg
Signs Home Underinsulated 1.jpg

What Are the Benefits of Duct Cleaning?

Do air ducts need to be cleaned? Yes! But what benefits can you expect?
It is recommended that you have your air ducts professionally cleaned at least once every three to five years. This schedule will ensure that your indoor air quality is superior and the HVAC unit performs efficiently. A few benefits of regular duct cleaning are:

  • Improved health and well-being with reduced risk of respiratory illnesses
  • Decreased energy bills
  • Prolonged lifespan of HVAC equipment
  • Improved performance and lower repair rate 
  • Cleaner home without dust and other airborne contaminants

It might be tempting to take matters into your own hands. However, it’s better to leave thorough cleaning of air ducts to trained technicians. A professional duct cleaning company uses state-of-the-art equipment that meets industry standards and has adequate suction power to handle even the most challenging residential duct systems. 

Air duct cleaning companies use robust truck-mounted cleaning systems that can remove all debris, dirt, and dust with enormous force, leaving even the most heavily-clogged air duct pristinely clean. These trucks come with large vacuum bags that can safely collect contaminants.

Periodic air duct cleaning is a crucial component of maintaining an HVAC system. Not only does it provide you with clean, fresh air that is healthy, but it also saves money on expensive damage and increased energy bills.

Contact Your Local Attic Projects: