In order to perform at the highest efficiency, your home needs to have a properly installed and maintained HVAC system. For example, in the winter you’ll want a furnace or boiler to function, along with thermostats, air ducts, and vents. If one of these components fails to do its job, you, your home, and your wallet will suffer. Most people always assume that their furnace or boiler is the beginning, end, and everything in between; however, this is not always the case. If your air ducts are beginning to clog up, they will in turn work less efficiently. Without proper cleaning and maintenance, your air ducts can become clogged and may even develop mold throughout the ductwork. But how often should you clean your air ducts? That’s a question that depends on your home.
Reasons for Cleaning Air Ducts
Your air ducts may need to be cleaned if your ducts are experiencing any of the following:
- Excessive Buildup of Debris and Dust
- Mold in, Around, or Throughout Your Air Ducts
- Infestations From Rodents/Insects
If you are experiencing breathing troubles when it is not an allergic reaction, you may need to clean your air ducts. If mold is found (especially significant amounts, which can occur if left untreated) then your system will continue to circulate this air throughout your home, causing breathing troubles. Every house is different in terms of how often they should be cleaned. Common causes for frequent air ducts cleaning include:
- Carpeting vs. Hardwood
- Pet Hair
- Fireplaces
- Frequent Usage
It’s impossible to tell whether or not you need a cleaning or not without pictures or video of the air ducts themselves; however, we recommend having your air ducts cleaned at least every 18 months. Depending on conditions, you may need a cleaning sooner than 18 months, or later than 18 months. The only way to know for sure whether or not you have a clogged air duct, infestation, or mold buildup is to have it looked at by an HVAC professional.
Keeping Your Air Ducts Regularly Maintained
Your HVAC service technician will come in and assess your air ducts, and the rest of the system if necessary. This will give you an idea of what condition your system is in, and if you need to do anything to maximize efficiency of your heating and cooling system. We will climb up, and take a look at what the air duct’s condition is, and will recommend whether or not you should have your air ducts cleaned. Hiring a reputable company will increase your chances of using a technician that will tell you honestly whether or not it is worth it. If you hire anyone to take a look, they may highly recommend a cleaning when your system is in perfectly fine condition. If there is a reason for cleaning outside of normal occurrences, you should get the problem fixed as soon as possible. If not, the problem will be a recurring issue, resulting in more money spent on cleaning your air ducts, and on energy bills.
If you are interested in air duct maintenance and cleaning services, contact Comfort Pro, Inc.
today for a free quote!
