How Do I Know If My Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?
7 Signs it’s Time
Between work, school, and taking care of the household, the average American spends more time indoors than ever. We spend roughly 90% of our time in a building.
While that might not sound so bad, most people don’t realize that indoor air pollutants are 2-5 times more concentrated than they are outdoors.
You can help reduce indoor pollutants by cleaning your air ducts.
If you’re wondering, how do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned? —we have the answers.
Read on and learn more about seven signs of dirty air ducts. By the end, you’ll be able to identify whether you need to schedule an air duct cleaning.
1. You Live in a Brand-New Home
Your new home has pristine walls and sparkling floors. It probably also has a lot of dust residing in the ductwork.
Most contractors attempt to close off work areas to prevent construction dust and debris from circulating throughout the rest of the house. That doesn’t always work.
Inevitably, dust and other debris end up in the ductwork.
The reason it’s a concern is that some types of dust—specifically, silica and wood dust—can cause health and lung problems.
2. Dust and Debris in the Air Vents
When your HVAC system kicks on, it’s not normal if you notice a quick spray of dust flowing through the vents!
It’s a sign you have dirty air ducts. An accumulation of dusty grime on and around the vents is also a sign you need to schedule an air duct cleaning.
3. You Need to Dust More Often Than Normal
Unless you live in the desert, you shouldn’t have a daily dust buildup inside your home. At least not a heavy buildup.
If your home is dusty despite your routine cleaning efforts, you may have dust and other pollutants in the air ducts.
Regular air duct cleaning will help minimize excessive dust inside your home.
4. Your Home Smells Musty
If you notice your home smells like old books, you may have a mold problem. This is not the refrigerator variety of mold.
HVAC systems, which include ductwork, can develop condensation. Condensation can lead to mold growth in the ductwork.
You might not see the mold, but you can sure smell it.
An excellent start to eliminating mold from the ductwork is air duct cleaning.
5. People Living in Your Home Have Health Problems
Finally, if anyone living in your home develops health conditions such as allergies, asthma, frequent sinus infections, and other respiratory symptoms, it’s wise to clean the air ducts.
Since air ducts harbor the airborne pollutants often associated with these health conditions, routine duct cleaning can help.
6. You’ve Discovered a Pest Infestation
If you have roaches or mice living in your ductwork, you need help fast! After exterminating, cleaning your air ducts will help get rid of any remaining droppings and contaminants.
Pest waste, casings, and dander can cause allergic reactions and asthma. Mice can transmit Hantavirus.
7. Years Since Your Last Air Duct Cleaning
Maybe it’s been several years since you last had the air ducts cleaned. Or perhaps you move in recently and the previous owner didn’t supply records.
It’s never too late to reap the benefits of clean air ducts. Once you make your first appointment, you’ll want to continue with regular cleanings every year or so.
How Do I Know If My Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?
Moving into a new or recently remodeled home, visible dust in the air or on the air vent covers, excessive dust, musty odors, and development of respiratory conditions all point to dirty air ducts.
When you ask, how do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned if you notice any of the above, you have your answer.
The experts at Lintless Dryer Vent Cleaning can help. Contact us today and schedule a free estimate for air duct cleaning services.