Indoor air quality is very important for your family’s health. Your home can be filled with dust, pollen, mould spores, pest droppings and more. If your air ducts aren’t clean, it increases the pollutants in the air you breathe. The best way to prevent this is to have regular air duct cleaning performed by an HVAC technician. Here are 11 signs you need your air ducts cleaned. 

1. Dust Coming from Vents 

If your HVAC vents are dusty, or worse actually release dust when your HVAC kicks in, your ducts are filled with debris. 

2. Clogged Air Filters 

You should be replacing your HVAC filters about once every month when you are using your system every day. If you find your filters are exceptionally dirty and clogged, this is a sign you have a serious problem with your ducts. 

3. Musty or Mouldy Smells from the Ducts 

Debris can contain mildew and mould that causes odours throughout your home. If you smell a musty or mouldy smell, check your vents to see if this is the source. If the air smells bad, it is very important to have an air duct inspection and cleaning, as mould can lead to serious health issues and worsen asthma and allergy symptoms. 

4. Visible Mould and Mildew on Your HVAC system 

If you have mould or orangey mildew appearing on your vent covers, HVAC system or AC unit an HVAC technician can assess the issue and recommend a good dehumidifier to reduce moisture. 

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5. Inconsistent Airflow 

Inconsistent airflow is an issue with your ducts or your vents. When your HVAC turns on, airflow and warm/cold air should be equal from room to room. However, if there are blockages, it prevents airflow in problem areas. If your vents seem clear, inconsistent airflow is one of the signs of clogged air ducts. 

6. Pest Infestations 

If you have a pest infestation call the pest experts right away. Rodents are particularly dangerous as they carry diseases and spread them through their dander and droppings. They also spread other types of bacteria and viruses that will make you sick. However, once the issue is resolved you also have to clean your ducts, because they will continue to spread the bacteria throughout your home. 

7. Endless Dusting 

If it seems no matter how often you dust, your furniture and other surfaces are always covered in dust, the dust is likely being spread through your ducts. 

8. Increased Heating/Cooling Costs 

Blocked ducts force your HVAC system to work harder, trying to force the air through the blockages. This increases your heating and cooling costs. 

9. Noises in Ductwork 

If you find you are hearing unusual noises when your system is on, it could be because of blocks in your ducts. 

10. You’ve Never Cleaned Your Air Ducts 

If you have lived in your home for several years and have never cleaned your ducts, now is the time to do so. Newly built homes also require an air duct cleaning to remove debris left behind from construction. 

11. Renovations 

As with above, construction work leaves behind dust, dirt, and debris in your ducts. 

Now that you know how to tell if air ducts need cleaning, you might be ready to have your ducts inspected. You can then enjoy the benefits of air duct cleaning, with cleaner indoor air. 

Contact Cedarwood today for any questions you may have regarding your residential heating and cooling system. 

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