How do you know when it’s time to have your ducts cleaned? In general, most homes and businesses need to clean their ducts professionally every three to four years. That’s one of the most neglected steps of HVAC maintenance, but it can make a significant difference for your indoor air quality and the efficiency of your system.
If it’s been five or more years since you scheduled duct cleaning, now is a good time to do it. You may also decide it’s time if you notice any of the following six signs that your air ducts are past due for a cleaning.
1. Dust seems to overtake your vents, air filter, and surfaces throughout your home.
Dirty air ducts allow dust, pollen, pet dander, and other small particles of debris to flow freely into your home. That reduces the quality of your indoor air and leads to accumulating debris on your floor vents and the door in front of your air filter.
You may also notice that your air filter needs to be changed more often than expected. Instead of once a month, you may need to change the filter every week or two due to the amount of dust and debris coming out of the ducts. Air purifier filters may also get clogged faster than normal, and you may notice dust collecting around your home rather quickly.
2. You have detected mold or mildew in or around your HVAC system.
If you believe there is mold or mildew inside your air ducts, it’s important to have them professionally cleaned right away. Over time, mold spores can get into your lungs and lead to illness and disease.
3. You believe your ducts have been infested with rodents or other pests in the past.
Have you recently battled mice, roaches, spiders, or other pests in your home? There’s a good chance they also took up residence in your air ducts, giving you one great reason to have them cleaned as soon as possible.
4. Your system seems inefficient, and/or your energy bill is getting higher and higher.
There are many reasons an HVAC system may start to work inefficiently or malfunction. If you notice it cutting off and on or feel inconsistent air flow in different rooms, it’s important to have a trained technician inspect your system. A professional can help you determine whether the problem is dirty ducts or another needed repair.
5. You recently completed major renovations within your home.
Home renovations introduce a lot of dust into the air. That dust can accumulate inside your air ducts, so professional cleaning after the work is done can help.
6. You don’t know when your ducts were last cleaned, or if they have ever been cleaned.
This is the easiest sign that you need to schedule a duct cleaning right away. If you purchased a new home and aren’t sure when the ducts were last cleaned, it’s best to have them cleaned so that you know for sure.
Ready to Schedule Your Air Duct Cleaning?
If you’re concerned that your air ducts are contributing to poor air quality inside your home, contact the professionals at Gery Heating today. We customize all services to the needs of each customer and offer an annual service plan that makes maintaining your HVAC system affordable.