As a responsible homeowner, you should clean your air ducts regularly to improve indoor air quality. Air conditioner duct cleaning is vital because it keeps your air free of airborne particles, making you and your family comfortable. Failure to clean your ducts regularly can cause the build-up of dust particles, pollen, and spores which can trigger allergic reactions. The following are signs your air ducts need cleaning.
Mold
The presence of mold or mildew is a sign that your air conditioner ducts need cleaning. If you notice mold growing in other parts of your house, it's time to call an HVAC system technician to help in cleaning your air ducts. Also, if you have a feeling that mold is growing in your ducts, you should have them cleaned immediately because mold spores can put your health at risk.
Allergies Getting Out of Hand
If you realize that your allergies are getting worse than usual, it's a sure sign that your ductwork needs cleaning. When the air ducts are dirty, your air conditioning unit blows air containing plenty of impurities and foreign particles. You are probably inhaling air filled with dust, pollen, mold, and other particles, and that's why your allergies are worsening. Cleaning your air ducts should be the first solution if you are experiencing an allergic reaction to something.
Clogged or Blocked Air Filters
If you have to keep on changing the filters of your air conditioning unit now and then, there's a bigger issue that needs to be sorted out. Swapping your filters regularly is vital, but they shouldn't get clogged after a few weeks of replacing them. If this happens, it's a sign that you should have your ducts cleaned.
Increase in Utility Bills
Another sign that you should consider cleaning your ducts is a high energy bill. HVAC systems with dirty air ducts have to overwork to complete the task, using more energy than usual. Cleaning your air ducts could solve the problem if your cooling bills have been rising for a couple of months. Contact an HVAC technician to help clean your air ducts and save money on your electricity bill.
Odor in Your Entire House
Have you noticed a putrid smell in your house that you are unable to locate its source? Well, the musty smell could be emanating from the air duct system. During summer, excessive humidity can cause molds to grow inside dirty ducts. If the ducts are dirty, the AC unit will produce a musty smell when running. You should consider cleaning your ducts immediately to get rid of the odor.
For more information on residential air duct cleaning, contact a professional near you.