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10 Signs Your Air Ducts Need to be Cleaned or Replaced
Poor indoor air quality is hard on your health and detracts from the comfort of your home. While there are several things that can cause poor indoor air quality, the solution is often as simple as cleaning or replacing the ductwork.
Mold, dust, and other dirt cycling through your home can cause allergies, itching, and difficulty breathing. Air duct cleaning stops this cycle and freshens the air.
How to Tell When There is a Problem with Your Ductwork
1. Increased Utility Bills
Steadily climbing energy bills indicate that there is a leak or a block in your ductwork. In either case, you should call a professional and consider the possibility of replacing your ductwork.
2. Uncomfortable Rooms
Poor temperature control within the rooms of your home, as well as hard-to-breath air, are both indications of dirty ductwork. If you notice a level of discomfort in your home, consider contacting a professional.
3. Strange or Musty Smells
You have probably noticed that the first time you turn your heater on in the winter, there is a musty smell to the air. This happens when the layer of dust inside your vents burns. Likewise, strange odors typically point to something in the ductwork that should not be there. Air duct cleaning prevents the buildup of dust and dirt.
4. Pest Infestations
It stands to reason that if you notice signs of rodents or other pests living inside your ductwork, you need to schedule an air duct cleaning. A situation like this can be very harmful to your health.
5. Dusty Air
Dust and other particles floating around in the air are indications of very dirty (or at least dusty) ductwork.
6. Allergies or Other Respiratory Issues
Sneezing and coughing, dry and itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, and overactive allergies might mean that there are a lot of extra particles in the air. Cleaning your ductwork can rid your home of excess dust and help settle down your allergic reactions.
How to Tell When Your Ducts Need Replacing
1. There is excess mold or poor air quality.
As mentioned above, mold buildup and overall poor indoor air quality point to the need for duct replacement.
2. An incorrectly sized HVAC system
An HVAC system that is too small for your home (and ductwork) overworks itself, while an HVAC system that is too large tends to turn on and off. In either case, the system goes bad sooner, and so does the ductwork.
3. Ductwork that is more than 15 years old
While there are several things you can do to increase the lifespan of your ductwork, sometimes, old ducts simply need to be replaced.
How to Extend the Life of Your Ductwork
1. Clean your ducts.
Cleaning your ducts regularly increases both their quality and the lifespan. It is important to schedule routine cleaning by professionals to keep things in working order.
2. Insulate your ducts.
Additionally, insulating your ductwork protects it from damage.
3. Seal your ducts.
Sealing your ducts is a great way to keep dust from getting in, as well as prevent your energy bill from rising. Duct insulation traps air and assists with temperature control.
Taking the time to clean or replace ductwork can save you time, money, and discomfort in the future. Air duct cleaning is important for eliminating poor indoor air quality and for benefiting your health. Schedule routine ductwork maintenance with a professional.
