how do you tell if your ducts need cleaning

The following tips can help you determine if your ducts are due for a good cleaning:

• Perform a quick visual inspection: Perhaps the most obvious indicator of dirty ducts is how they look. ...
• Check what happens when your HVAC system turns on:Listen for the “whooshing” sound that indicates the activation of your heating and cooling unit. ...
• Look for a dirty filter: Many homeowners are guilty of not changing the HVAC unit’s filter regularly. ...

Full Answer

How do I know if my air ducts need cleaning?

That's why it's important to periodically check the condition of your air ducts to see if they could use air duct cleaning services. Any of these indicators show that your HVAC system and ductwork is being adversely affected by too much dust and dirt: Open one of your vent covers and look inside.

Does your HVAC system need air duct cleaning?

Air filters remove most of these from the air stream, but not for all parts of the HVAC system. That's why it's important to periodically check the condition of your air ducts to see if they could use air duct cleaning services. Any of these indicators show that your HVAC system and ductwork is being adversely affected by too much dust and dirt:

Is your duct work due for a duct cleaning?

These might be indications that your home's duct work might be due for a thorough cleaning. Keep your ducts in a row. Inside your HVAC system, fine dust collects on air duct surfaces, vents, motors and coils.

Can you see mold in your air ducts?

You may spot mold around your vent covers, but unfortunately, many components of your heating and cooling system aren’t easily accessible, so mold in your air ducts is especially difficult to detect visually. However, while mold can be difficult to see, it usually presents itself in the form of a musty odor.

How do I know if my duct work needs cleaning?

If you see dust and dirt both inside and outside — especially by the vents that blow cool air out — your ducts most likely need to be cleaned. To prevent future dust buildup, make sure you replace your HVAC system air filters frequently. You can also run an air purifier.

How often does ductwork need to be cleaned?

Experts advise having your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start. However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average.

What happens if you don't clean your air ducts?

If you allow dust and other outside particles to build up inside your HVAC and your air ducts, you're likely to see shortness of breath, chest pain and other common symptoms of an asthma flare-up. These problems are all completely avoidable as long as you're regularly cleaning out your filter and your air ducts.

How can I clean my ducts myself?

How to Clean Your Air DuctsRemove vent covers and wash them. Remove your vent covers with your screwdriver. ... Cover vent openings with paper towels. Cover the openings to your supply registers with a few paper towels. ... Loosen the dust. ... Vacuum it up. ... Change your air filter. ... Replace vent covers.

How do you know if your air ducts are dirty?

If you are not sure if your ducts need cleaning, here are some common signs to look out for.Vents & ducts are clogged with dust and debris. ... Your air filters become clogged. ... Unpleasant odor from ducts. ... Mold & mildew presence inside or outside your HVAC system. ... Unstable or poor airflow in the house.More items...

Does air duct cleaning make a mess?

Will Air Duct Cleaning Make A Mess Of My Home? No, it won't. If you hire a professional company to clean your air ducts, such as Dustless Duct, your home will be clean and tidy when they're done.

Is cleaning air ducts a waste of money?

The truth is that there is no evidence that having your ducts professionally cleaned would make your air any cleaner than it is now. In fact, the EPA did a study to determine the results of air duct cleaning. Here is what they concluded: "Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems.

Why does my house get so dusty?

Dust accumulation in your home is a product of airflow, either because too much dirty, dust-filled air is floating around your home or because not enough air is spreading through the home, allowing dust to settle.

Why are my cold air returns so dusty?

Dust comes out of air vents when excess dust and dirt accumulate in the air vent filters. If you do not clean these filters from time to time, it can lead to dust buildup that can affect the HVAC system's efficiency. It can raise your energy bills and worsen your family's health.

Can you clean air ducts with shop vac?

Vacuum – Good vacuums make the best duct cleaners. Ideally, you'll want a heavy-duty vacuum like a Shop-Vac for the task, but a regular household vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment will do just fine.

What does mold in air ducts smell like?

Its smell is often described as musty and earthy, similar to the scent of dirt or wet, rotting leaves. If you see black spots or black dust appearing around air vents, there's a good chance that mold is growing inside.

Does air duct cleaning help with allergies?

Yes. Regular cleaning of vents and ducts reduces allergens in your home that are known to cause asthma attacks, sinusitis, and other respiratory problems. Basically, your air ducts circulate air throughout your home. Thus, allergens that enter your home also enter its air ducts.

How often should HVAC be serviced?

once every yearIt's recommended that you service your home air conditioning system at least once every year. The same goes for your heating system.

Can dirty air ducts make you sick?

Develop Respiratory Infections, Disease If your family is getting sick more than normal, experiencing coughing, sneezing, sore throats, runny noses, nasal congestion, headaches, and low-grade fevers, they may have upper respiratory infections as a result of dirty air ducts.

What are the benefits of air duct cleaning?

The Top Five Benefits of Air Duct CleaningCreates a Cleaner Living Environment. ... Reduces Allergens and Irritants. ... Helps Everyone Breathe Easier. ... Removes Unpleasant Smells and Odors. ... Improves Air Flow Efficiency.

Can mold in air ducts make you sick?

Respiratory Issues Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath could all be symptoms you experience if there is decaying vermin or mold in your air vents. The American Lung Association warns that poor indoor air quality can contribute to the spread of bacteria, infections, and even lung disease in extreme cases.

How do you know if you have rodents in your ductwork?

If rodents are in your ductwork, they will leave some telltale signs — not only will you see droppings, you may find chewed up materials or unpleasant smells, all of which indicate an infestation. Keep in mind that a rodent infestation might require more than air duct cleaning!

What to do if you have mold in your air ducts?

If you do have mold in your air ducts, it’s important to take action quickly to preserve your home’s indoor air quality. An air duct cleaning technician will be able to identify and remediate any mold issues, and also help to prevent its return. In addition to duct cleaning, you should also take additional precautions against excess moisture in ...

Why is my furnace ductwork dirty?

At times, ductwork can become so dirty that air isn’t able to flow freely and efficiently through your home’s HVAC system. When this happens, both your furnace and air conditioner are forced to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

How to prevent dust buildup in HVAC system?

To prevent future dust buildup, make sure you replace your HVAC system air filters frequently. You can also run an air purifier. Both filters and air purifiers work with your HVAC system to trap a variety of airborne particles like dust, tobacco smoke, and bacteria before they enter the ductwork.

What happens if you leak in your ductwork?

Any leaks you have in your ductwork is lost energy, decreasing the efficiency and increasing your energy bill. Hiring an air duct technician to clean your ducts won’t only remove harmful contaminants, but can also rule out potential leaks.

What happens when rodents enter ductwork?

When rodents find their way into your ductwork, they make nests and leave droppings behind, sending tiny fecal spores sweeping along the ducts. These spores can then make their way into your home and contaminate the quality of the air you breathe.

Can mold be found in ductwork?

Your heating and cooling system can develop condensation, leading to the growth of mold in your ductwork (especially if you live in a humid climate). You may spot mold around your vent covers, but unfortunately, many components of your heating and cooling system aren’t easily accessible, so mold in your air ducts is especially difficult to detect visually. However, while mold can be difficult to see, it usually presents itself in the form of a musty odor.

How to find a duct cleaning company?

To find companies that provide duct cleaning services, check your Yellow Pages under "duct cleaning" or contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) at the address and phone number in the information section located at the end of this guidance. Do not assume that all duct cleaning service providers are equally knowledgeable and responsible. Talk to at least three different service providers and get written estimates before deciding whether to have your ducts cleaned. When the service providers come to your home, ask them to show you the contamination that would justify having your ducts cleaned.

What is duct cleaning?

Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing ( See diagram ).

Why do you need to clean air ducts?

Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply a chemical biocide to the inside of your ducts to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold), and prevent future biological growth. Some duct cleaning service providers may propose to introduce ozone to kill biological contaminants.

How to prevent dirt from entering ducts?

To prevent dirt from entering the system: Use the highest efficiency air filter recommended by the manufacturer of your heating and cooling system. Change filters regularly.

What happens if you don't correct mold?

If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur. Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects) Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

How to check the cleanliness of a heating and cooling system?

A thorough visual inspection is the best way to verify the cleanliness of your heating and cooling system. Some service providers use remote photography to document conditions inside ducts. All portions of the system should be visibly clean; you should not be able to detect any debris with the naked eye. Show the Post-Cleaning Consumer Checklist to the service provider before the work begins. After completing the job, ask the service provider to show you each component of your system to verify that the job was performed satisfactorily.

How to get rid of dust in your home?

Remove dust and vacuum your home regularly. (Use a high efficiency vacuum (HEPA) cleaner or the highest efficiency filter bags your vacuum cleaner can take. Vacuuming can increase the amount of dust in the air during and after vacuuming as well as in your ducts).

The Cost of Sick Buildings

A “sick building” is defined as a building in which the environment puts the occupants at risk for upper respiratory infections. According to NADCA:

Benefits of Cleaning Air Ducts

NADCA sets the industry standard for HVAC cleaning. When done correctly, HVAC cleaning can have many benefits, including:

AC Cleaning Services from Service-Tech

At Service-Tech Corporation, we offer solutions for all air duct cleaning needs. We have extensive experience and knowledge to help you maintain a clean and safe work environment for your employees.

How to find a reliable air duct cleaning company?

Your best bet for finding a reliable, highly qualified air duct cleaning technician is to find a NADCA member company in your area. Whether you’ve noticed more dust around your house than usual or your HVAC technician found mold in your furnace, a NADCA-certified expert will help you get your home clean and back to normal—the right way!

What happens if ductwork isn't sealed properly?

The bottom line is that when your ductwork isn’t sealed properly, you’re paying for heated and cooled air that you don’t get to enjoy.

Why are HVAC ducts hidden?

Ductwork is hidden, after all, and because central air conditioning systems draw air in from outside to cool and circulate through the house, contaminants easily make their way indoors.

Can mold be found in ductwork?

Mold found on your furnace, air conditioner, or air handler unit isn’t a guarantee that your ductwork has been affected, but it certainly increases the chances. A NADCA-certified air duct cleaning technician will thoroughly clean your home’s HVAC system and ductwork to remove the mold and prevent its return. 2.

Can you clean your air ducts on your own?

Cleaning your home’s air ducts isn’t something you should attempt on your own. It’s a complex process that requires advanced knowledge of HVAC systems as well as specialized tools, so always rely on professionals who have been certified by NADCA, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. A NADCA certification means that your job will be done ...

Do you have to clean ducts after dusting?

If, however, you notice that every flat surface in your house is coated in a layer of dust almost immediately after you’ve put away your cleaning supplies, you probably need to have your ducts cleaned.

Is heating and cooling predictable?

Your heating and cooling costs should be relatively predictable from year to year. If you receive a bill that is noticeably high, however, or if you look at your records and note that your utility bills are much higher now compared to the same time a year ago, your home’s ductwork might be (partially, at least) to blame.

How to tell if air ducts are dirty?

Probably a clear sign of dirty air ducts is the presence of a small puff of dust as the HVAC system starts running. In normal situations, air ducts do not release visible dust or debris when the heating and cooling system is switched on, and the air starts flowing through the ducts. Therefore, visible dust clearly signifies dusty air registers.

Why do you need to clean your air ducts?

Why is air duct cleaning necessary after pest infestation? Well, this is done to prevent the spread of allergens and other disease-causing microbes. Vermin dander, insect droppings, bacteria, and viruses can cause serious health problems.

How does air quality affect the comfort of a home?

The comfort of a home is significantly affected by indoor air quality. The presence of particles of dust, mold spores, pollen, and insect droppings can cause reactions, even to the healthiest people. Regular air duct cleaning is one way to improve the overall air quality in your home. If you are not sure if your ducts need cleaning, here are some common signs to look out for.

Do HVAC ducts make noise?

Whereas it can be difficult to realize, your ductwork shouldn' t make a lot of noise. If you hear anything more than the general motor sound, your ducts could be experiencing some problems.

Is it okay to clean air ducts after a renovation?

Unless the HVAC systems are off or completely covered during the renovations, be sure that dirt and dust will have been sucked up into the ductwork. Therefore, you should consider cleaning your air ducts after any renovations.

What happens if you don’t clean your air ducts?

If you are one of those homeowners that doesn’t believe air duct cleaning is beneficial, think about this for a moment: Has anyone in your home started suffering from allergies or nasal congestion with no prior history? Is anyone, including yourself, feeling lethargic, more than the lazy day here or there? You may be suffering from the results of dirt air ducts. Read on for some other signs that air duct cleaning could fix for you and your family:

How do professionals clean air ducts?

Professional air duct cleaning contractors use specialized blowers, brushes, and vacuums to clean out the intake, return ducts, and intake throughout your home . A thorough air duct cleaning involves a cleaning the air handler, coils, fans, grilles, housing, motors, and fans through the entire HVAC system.

Can dirty air ducts make you sick?

If your home has air duct without insulation, this doesn’t eliminate the need for regular air duct cleaning. Insulation doesn’t make air duct collect any less debris and dust but could actually suck more into them. Dial 678-778-1328 today for your air duct cleaning needs.

Can I clean my own air ducts?

Yes, if you know your home needs an air duct cleaning service, but the budget is tight, you can do an air duct cleaning yourself. This isn’t an easy task and will take longer than you may estimate, so plan a full day. Be prepared for insects, mildew, mold, and possible rodent or other vermin. You won’t have the same high-powered, professional equipment and supplies that professionals use, so you shouldn’t expect the same results.

How to tell if ductwork is dirty?

Perform a quick visual inspection: Perhaps the most obvious indicator of dirty ducts is how they look. Open one of the vent covers and see if it is coated with dust and debris. Use a flashlight so that you can see deeper into the ductwork for signs of mold or rodent excrement.

How to determine the health of a duct system?

A thorough inspection by a professional residential duct cleaning contractor is the best way to determine the health of your duct system. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends regular assessments based on each type of system component. For example, an inspection of the air handler should occur annually, while the supply and return ductwork should undergo a biennial assessment. The inspection should also include an evaluation of the HVAC unit.

When Is It Time For a Professional Ductwork Inspection?

Debris can lurk deep within the network of tubing, and while it may not be an issue now, it’s probably only a matter of time until it begins to impact your home’s air quality.

How Can You Keep Your Air Ducts Clean?

Implementing the following self-maintenance steps can help keep your ducts clean and provide the best possible air quality in your home:

What is the final step of duct cleaning?

Filter installation: The final step of the residential duct cleaning process entails the installation of electrostatic filters and additional odor control products as needed. This is a great time to upgrade your HVAC system with a higher-level filtration system in order to protect your newly cleaned ducts. The contractor will then replace the grills/registers.

What happens if your HVAC system is dirty?

Even worse, dirty ducts can promote the growth of foreign growths, mildew and other forms of bacteria that are pushed back into the rooms when the heat or air conditioning kicks on. While your unit’s filtration system captures much of the debris and prevents its circulation, a significant amount will infiltrate your home and contaminate the air that you breathe.

What does a HVAC contractor do?

Testing and cleaning of the HVAC unit: The contractor will examine the heating and cooling unit and conduct inspections on the system to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Next, the contractor will disconnect the system’s power source and vacuum the interior surfaces with a professional grade HEPA filtration system. Lastly, the contractor will clean the cooling coils and blower unit.

Why do vents have dark filtration lines?

With dusty vent covers usually come dark filtration lines. If you notice the presence of dark dust that lines your walls, ceiling, carpet, or baseboards near your vents, you’re probably due for an HVAC cleaning. Dark filtration lines are especially important to address because this type of soiling can cause permanent damage to carpets and rugs . Getting your HVAC system inspected and cleaned can help prevent this.

Why is my utility bill higher than normal?

Is your utility bill looking higher than normal? This could mean dirt & dust are restricting airflow in your HVAC system including ducts, coils, and air handling unit. This causes your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to. Removing pounds of buildup can help your heating and cooling unit to work more efficiently!

Do air ducts need to be cleaned?

Dirt, dust, and allergens get trapped in your unit. While no home is the same, there are many signs that your air ducts need to be cleaned. Read on and learn why you may be due for an air duct cleaning!

Causes

Results

Prevention

Summary

Issues

Benefits

Risks

• If no one in your household suffers from allergies or unexplained symptoms or illnesses and if, after a visual inspection of the inside of the ducts, you see no indication that your air ducts are contaminated with large deposits of dust or mold (no musty odor or visible mold growth), having your air ducts cleaned is probably unnecessary. It is norm...

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