Clean houses and dirty ducts spell trouble for indoor air quality. Just because you can’t see the ducts does not mean they are clean. Consequently, until and unless you have taken the pain to get the ductwork cleaned professionally, don’t assume them to be so. That will only be to your detriment.
Why Do Ducts Require Cleaning?
Ducts are long tube-like passages from where the treated air flows indoors. Air is never wholly free of contaminants. Over time, dust, dirt, dander, pathogens, and other microbes present in the circulating air settle in the ducts. There comes a time when the build becomes big and starts acting as an obstruction to the free flow of air. Also, there are high chances of the passing air picking up these contaminants and spreading them through the house.
Invariably, sometimes even small critters and pests will make their abode inside the ducts. They will live, breed, and even die there. This may result in damaged ducts, offensive smells, and even health problems amongst the family members.
To avoid such unwanted occurrences, it is necessary to ensure proper cleaning of the ductwork by professional duct cleaners. Regular home cleaners will not suffice until and unless they are qualified to do so and carry industrial-grade equipment with them.
When Should You Have Your Ducts Cleaned?
Here are some signs or symptoms of dirty air ducts. If you notice any of them in your home, it means professional cleaning of ductwork is the need of the day.
1. Vents Look Dirty – If the vents look dirty even after regular cleaning, there’s no way the ducts could be clean. After all, the air carrying the dust and grime is coming from inside the ducts.
2. You Can See Particles Floating In The Air Coming From Vents – The other obvious sign of dirty air ducts is that you can see floating particles coming out of the vents. These visible signs of dust and debris should not be there if the ducts were clean and free of any build-up inside.
3. There Are Unpleasant Odors Inside The House – When insects, pests, critters, and micro-organisms make ductwork their home, the entire house is invaded by an unpleasant odor. The odor is a result of their dander, feces, food, and even death and decay. Although there can be other reasons for the repulsive smells, if nothing else pans out, the ductwork is the most likely culprit.
4. Airflow Is Poor – Slow and steady deposition of particles in the ducts leads to significant build-ups over time. It may become so much that even the air finds it difficult to pass through. When this happens, the airflow becomes poor. It means the air entering the house is sluggish and sometimes not even properly cool or warm. A major consequence of poor airflow is obviously that your indoor comfort suffers, but there is yet another issue in the making. The pressure difference caused by poor airflow can damage the ductwork. So your only option is to ensure the ducts are clean.
5. There Is No Known Record Of Previous Duct Cleaning – If you have moved into a house that was previously lived in and there’s no known record of duct cleaning, it would be ideal for getting it over with before moving in. First, you have no idea of what resides in the ducts due to years of neglect, and secondly, you are not privy to the habits of the previous occupants. For all you may know, they might have had pets or may have been smoking indoors. Your ducts keep evidence of all habits and spill them out when you least expect. Having your house smell weird or a family member coming down with allergies is too great a price to pay.
6. Family Members Suffer From Ailments Inside The House Which Vanish Outdoors – If a member or all family members do not feel well when indoors but make a miraculous recovery outdoors, it means there are allergens inside the house. They probably reside in the ducts, and from there, they spread throughout the residence with circulating air. Air duct cleaning will help get rid of them all and make for improved indoor air quality.
7. House Has Been Recently renovated Or Repaired – Repairs and renovations in the dwelling raise a lot of dust. Most of it lands up inside the ducts. The amount of dust generated at this time is so much that it is always better to get the duct cleaning done, even if you had one a few years back.
8. Mold On Vents – If there’s a black cotton-like substance on the vents, it’s mold, and if it’s there on the vents, it means it’s inside the ducts as well. Mold anywhere in the house is a health hazard and must be dealt with quickly and efficiently. In such circumstances, duct cleaning becomes a pressing demand.
The Conclusion
Time and again, HVAC contractors inform the homeowners about the importance of professional cleaning of ductwork. Yet rarely are they taken seriously. It’s time you realize that what lucks in the ducts could be a health hazard not just for you but for your family also. Therefore, if air duct cleaning was not on your list of priorities until now, now is the time to make it so. The marked difference in the indoor air quality will be worth the expenditure.
Contact Aztil Air Conditioning for professional air duct cleaning services in West Palm Beach, Florida. We are reputable HVAC contractors serving South Florida since 1981. We have the necessary industrial-grade cleaning equipment and the skills to do a thorough duct cleaning job. Once we are done, you will see a definitive improvement in the efficiency of your residential heating and cooling equipment, along with indoor air quality. Getting in touch with us is easy. Just call +1-888-729-8452. We are always open so call anytime. When it comes to the air you and your family breathe, it’s best not to take any chances.
