One of those things people tend to forget about a lot is air ducts. This is because they are out of sight and inside the walls. Cleaning air ducts is an important part of an efficient HVAC system. Dirt air ducts make the HVAC system less efficient and force it to use more energy to heat or cool the home. If they remain dirty for a long time, they can wear the HVAC system and even break it.
Dirty air ducts also affect the health and well-being of those inside.
Below are some of the signs that air ducts need to be cleaned…
Dusty Grills
Grills are the window to the air duct. The vents are where the cool or hot air blows through. There is no need to worry about a little bit of dust, but you should wipe down the grill and leave it looking clean. A dusty grill is a reminder that the air ducts need to be cleaned.
Mold Growth
Mildew or mold is a sign that an AC needs to be cleaned. Condensation on the HVAC system is common and this can be seen when mold grows near the grill. But it can also manifest as mold growing in different parts of a house. If there is mold in the air duct, it means that the HVAC system is blowing spores all over the house. Call an HVAC technician if you have mold problems.
High Energy Bill
If the energy bill is high than usual, it could be a sign that your air ducts need to be cleaned. The HVAC system has to work harder when the air ducts are dirty. It requires more energy to perform normally.
Poor Air Flow
An HVAC system doesn’t just cool or heat a home, it also provides air circulation. The system keeps the air moving and prevents stale air inside a house. When the air ducts are dirty, you will notice a difference in airflow. Air has a hard time getting through because the grime in the air duct is blocking it.
Wipe down the grills of the air ducts to remove excess grime. Get an expert to help you clean the inside.
It is a good idea to call to have your air ducts cleaned as soon as possible to avoid more serious problems. The process is not going to take that long, especially when you work with an HVAC expert who has been doing it for many years.
