3 Telling Signs That Your Ducts Need Cleaning
Next time you’re planning a maintenance check for your home’s heating and cooling system, don’t forget about the ducts. They might be out of sight, but the condition of your ducts can play an important role in the efficiency of the entire system, and in the quality of the air in your home.
So, why would you need to clean your ducts? Like any other household fixture, ducts can collect dirt and dust over the years. This dust is being forced into your home every time the furnace or air conditioner runs, potentially causing allergies, or even common respiratory infections like colds.
Experts recommend having your air ducts cleaned every three to five years to help keep the air in your home cleaner. More frequent duct cleaning might be recommended if your home is located in damp or flood-prone areas, because moisture encourages the growth of molds and other bacteria.
And you might just be surprised at what is found in your ducts. Other than dust, mites, fur and the usual household dirt, professional duct cleaners have found anything from beer cans to children’s toys and more; maybe, in your case, that long lost diamond ring!
How to know when your ducts need cleaning
When you see any of these three signs, it’s definitely time for duct cleaning and maintenance:
1) Mold is visible on the ducts and other parts of your heating or cooling systems. If you do see mold, you should be aware that :
a) Mold is primarily caused by moisture, so check for leaks in your duct system. If you do find leaks, have them repaired immediately – if the source of the problem is not immediately corrected, mold will continue to reoccur even once it is cleaned away.
b) Mold formed inside the ducts is hard to completely remove and will require the services of a duct cleaning professional.
c) What you see may not actually be mold, but just something that looks like it. If in doubt, consult a professional.
2) Rodents and other insects have taken up residence in your ducts. Use a flashlight to check for these telltale signs of uninvited guests in your ducts:
a) Cobwebs
b) Rodent droppings
c) Dead insects, or parts of insects
d) Mounds or any signs of nests or colonies
3) Dust and other particles being blown into the air from the ducts. In the case of dust, this is clearly visible, but smaller particles may not be so easy to see. Telltale signs may include:
a) Someone in your home suddenly develops new allergies
b) Your HVAC system is not distributing air uniformly throughout the house, or it seems to be switching on more than usual
It’s worth noting here that unless you see any of these signs, or someone in your home is experiencing allergies or unusual ill health, duct cleaning does not need to be part of your annual home maintenance routine. It’s more important to make sure that your HVAC system is regularly serviced, and the filters changed.
If you’re unsure, talk to the professionals at Ram Furnace and Duct Cleaning about having your ducts checked. Call 403-291-1051 for duct inspection and cleaning as well as maintenance of vents, furnaces and chimneys.
Ram Cleaning Services, Complete Cleaning and Maintenance Care in Calgary and area since 1967.