How Often To Clean Air Ducts
Whenever you run your HVAC system, you use air ducts. They are the passageways specifically designed for your home that send heated or cooled air throughout your house. It is very important to take care of these and know when to clean your air ducts, so that you and your family are breathing safe, clean air. Of course, it’s easy to forget about cleaning air ducts, as they’re typically out-of-sight, out-of-mind. However, dirty ducts can lead to many harmful effects that you do not want to deal with.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning air ducts every three to five years, but you should also clean them when you move into a new home. Additionally, if air duct problems arise in your home, you’ll want to take care of them immediately. Examples of air duct problems requiring immediate attention include:
Musty Smells or Visible Mold
Humid, damp areas are breeding grounds for mold, so if you see any, take action right away. Similarly, if you smell mustiness or experience symptoms such as persistent, unexplained coughing or itching in your lungs, have your air ducts looked at right away. A reliable HVAC technician can kill the mold with the proper treatment and prevent future growth.
Pests
Small creatures and bugs love to settle into your home’s air ducts. These pests create debris that can decrease your system’s performance and cause a bad odor throughout your home. Dust mites can also cause allergy or cold-like symptoms. If you see evidence of pests, including droppings, tracks, or miscolored stains and smudges, you’ll want to do a thorough cleaning to get rid of them for good.
Dust or Debris
Pet dander, dead skin cells, and allergens can build up in your ducts over time, decreasing airflow and increasing the risks of respiratory issues. You may see visible “poofs” of dust released from your air vents when the HVAC kicks on. Dust and debris can cause your system to experience a decrease in energy efficiency – between 25 to 40 percent, in fact. You’ll need to hire professionals to thoroughly clean your ducts in this case.
Good air quality is essential to everything we do. When you turn on your heating or air conditioning, you should be confident that the air is safe and healthy for you and your loved ones. Parker’s Heating & Air Conditioning takes your safety and comfort very seriously, providing our customers with high-quality, hassle-free Air Conditioning Repair Services in Americus, GA. For questions, help, or a free quote, contact us today at 229-924-3693!
