Over time, dust and dirt settle into your air vents, and then that dust is forced back out into your living areas when your HVAC system comes on. Homeowners looking to save on home maintenance costs often wonder – is cleaning your air ducts worth it? Unlike most home maintenance projects, air duct cleaning doesn’t need to be a regular chore. The HVAC pros at A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical recommend only getting your air ducts cleaned after certain events, or if you’re noticing issues with indoor air quality in your home.
Occasions when cleaning your air ducts is worth it
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) suggests cleaning your ducts every three to five years. There is no specific formula for figuring out how often to clean your vents. As a homeowner, there are a few occasions when it’s recommended to have your home’s air ducts cleaned.
Moving into a brand-new home
When you first buy a new home, there are things you want to be done to the house before you move in. Making sure your air ducts are cleaned is one of them. Dust can contain dirt, mold spores, dead skin, pet dander, and fungi! Starting with freshly cleaned air vents will ensure that the old dust moves out with the old residents.
Schedule A+ Heating, Cooling & Electrical to inspect your ducts, air conditioning system, and furnace when you first move in is a great idea. We’ll give you a comprehensive idea of the state of the HVAC system in your home and can schedule maintenance to ensure you stay comfortable all year long.
Major home renovations
Major renovations come with major dust. You might find that your new kitchen is great, but it’s a little hard to breathe in. Extra dust can settle and clog your HVAC system fast. Cleaning your air vents will remove any contaminants and dust that were spread around during construction.
Flooding
If your home has been flooded recently, this is when cleaning air ducts is worth it the most. The EPA highly recommends preventing your air ducts from becoming wet. Moisture can get into the insulation that surrounds your air ducts and can grow mold. Have your air ducts and insulation inspected following a flood to prevent the growth of mold in your vents.
Situations when cleaning your air ducts are worth it
If you’ve lived in your house for a long time, and your HVAC system is operating fine, you may have never had your air ducts cleaned. But if you suddenly notice any of the following occurrences in your home, contact A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical right away.
Notice an odd smell and dust coming from your vents
If you notice a strong musty or mildew scent in your home, check the vents to see if there is mold growing there. Mold could be growing in your air ducts and is being pushed to your vents. Another time to have your air ducts cleaned is when you notice thick dust and debris buildup on air registers and air filters.
Mold and dust can cause illnesses in your house. Household allergies can be treated by regular cleanings, but mold-related illnesses can be much more serious. The longer you neglect your HVAC system, the worse the symptoms will be.
Home is not consistently comfortable
If you find that the temperature varies wildly from room to room in your house, you might have clogged air vents. Clean air vents have been shown to increase the efficiency of your HVAC system and improve air circulation in your home.
Visible vermin infestation
If you’re seeing rodents in your house suddenly, there is a chance they are getting in through the air vents. Warm areas filled with dust are attractive to vermin, and they might start nesting in your house. Having your air vents cleaned will destroy the rodent’s habitat and ensure that clean air is flowing through your house.
Schedule your air duct cleaning appointment with A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical
Whether you just bought a new home, or you’ve noticed an odd smell in your house, cleaning your air ducts is worth the investment. With an air duct cleaning, your home’s HVAC system will run smoothly and feel clean inside and out. Contact A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical to schedule air duct cleaning today.