When Should I Have My Ductwork Cleaned // Signs Your Ductwork Needs Cleaning

Tell-Tale Signs Showing Your Ductwork Needs
Cleaning

Get Professional Help Before You Run Into Bigger Problems

Have you noticed a strange smell coming from your vents? Or perhaps you’re constantly sneezing and coughing in your home and can’t figure out why? These could be signs to call an air duct cleaning company for a detailed inspection of your ductwork.

When air is circulated through unclean ducts, it causes poor indoor air quality. With an average person spending around 21.6 hours indoors daily (per EPA), air pollutants, dust mites, and allergens will cause respiratory problems or worsen existing allergic reactions.

Due to indoor air carrying 2-5 times more pollution than the outside environment, accumulation of dust and debris will also cause your air conditioning unit to run less efficiently, costing you more money in the long run.

There are several telltale signs that indicate you need to have your ducts cleaned and inspected by experts at Innovative Air. Here’s what you need to know.

Strange Smells Coming From Your Vents

Contaminated ductwork can spread odors and potentially harmful bacteria throughout your home. Any duct leakages could also allow mold or mildew to enter your home and create an unpleasant smell.

Another possibility is that rodents have taken up residence inside your ducts, creating an unpleasant stench from their droppings or decaying matter.

High Energy Bills

Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can build up in the air ducts of your home and block or clog them. If these clogs remain in place for an extended period, they can reduce airflow throughout your home, resulting in higher energy bills. The HVAC system has to work harder than usual to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. 

Additionally, if your ducts are not properly sealed or insulated, they may allow conditioned air to escape and unconditioned air from outside to enter. This can also result in increased utility costs. Specialized air duct cleaning companies use the latest tools and techniques to access all areas of the vents for the complete removal of such buildup.

Increased Allergy Symptoms

Airborne particles such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens can easily travel through the ducts of an air conditioning system and lead to respiratory distress. If someone in your home is suffering from allergies or asthma, this is a sign that you should pay attention to, as these conditions can be triggered by indoor air pollution.

Though regular vacuuming and dusting can help reduce air allergens, cleaning the surface areas will not be enough to remove contaminants from your duct system. An indoor air quality company can inspect your ducts and determine the best steps to remove any hazardous substances.

Mold Growth

Mold spores are microscopic organisms that thrive in damp, dark places – just like the interior of an air duct. If left untreated, they can settle into the insulation or other materials used to line the ducts.

Inhaling mold can cause adverse health effects and worsen allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Additionally, the presence of mold in your home suggests there could be a water leak somewhere in your ductwork, leading to more serious problems down the line.

Poor Or Weak Airflow

Factors such as poor insulation, inadequate maintenance, or an accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris in the system can cause a decrease in air pressure. As these particles build up over time, they can cause blockages that reduce the air passing through the ducts and restrict airflow to other areas in the HVAC system.

If your home is not cooling or heating as it should, or if some rooms are colder/hotter than others, this could be an indication that your air ducts need to be cleaned and inspected.

Rat Or Insect Infestation

Rodents and insects love to take refuge in the dark, narrow confines of your ductwork, where they can be a significant source of indoor air contamination. Their droppings may spread harmful bacteria and odors throughout your home if left unchecked.

If you notice any signs of these pests, such as scratching noises from inside your walls or vents, droppings, or nesting materials, immediately call a duct cleaning service to investigate the situation.

Keep Your Ducts In Good Shape With Our Experts

At Innovative Air, our experienced technicians can help you keep your ducts in good condition with comprehensive duct cleaning and sanitizing services. We’re a Pearl-certified indoor air quality company, so you can rest assured that our work is of the highest quality.

Contact us today at (914) 855-1888 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.