After a long day out in the sun, you sit down, turn the AC on, set it at 65° and prepare to unwind. Except, it’s not working. You notice the air is off, uneven. Then it hits you: you haven’t inspected your air ducts in eons or maybe ever.
Don’t let this be you.
Many homeowners believe that the only time they should clean their air ducts in one of these three scenarios:
- If there is visible mold.
- If there is vermin in the ducts.
- Ducts are actually clogged.
You should definitely clean your air ducts if you notice any of the following—but even if you don’t, it is crucial to regularly check and maintain your air ducts to continue living a life of comfort.
How Often Should I Clean My Air Ducts?
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), there are many different factors affecting how often homeowners should be cleaning their air ducts. So in regards to the question of ‘How often should residential HVAC systems be cleaned?’ According to NADCA , the answer is: it depends. Generally we recommend homeowners to clean their air ducts every three to five years but the NADCA recommends more frequent cleaning, every two to three years, if any of the following occur:
- Smokers are present in the household.
- You own pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander.
- You find water contamination or damage to your home or HVAC system.
- There are residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home’s HVAC system.
- After any home renovations or remodeling.
- Prior to occupancy of a new home.
The Warning Signs
Chances are if you think that your air duct needs cleaning, it probably does. Maybe you’ve noticed the warning signs: an unpleasant odor here and there, maybe mold or mildew? You know, that musty basement smell that you shouldn’t be smelling in your living room. Or maybe you haven’t, but you’ve noticed your energy bill is up from the month before, and it just keeps going up. You’re turning off all the lights, eating dinner in the dark, but nothing works—what gives? Dirty air ducts can be a headache for homeowners, which is why if you notice any of the following, we recommend you give us a call!
Rising Energy Bills
If you notice an increase in your heating and cooling bills, it could be a sign of a misfiring HVAC unit. When an HVAC system is not working at full capacity as a result of dirty vents, it will force itself to expend more energy in order to overcompensate for its malfunctioning. Cleaning the ducts will help restore your systems airflow, and in turn, bring your bill back down.
Reduced Airflow
Airflow is one of those things that should go unnoticed. You shouldn’t be sitting at home on the couch and thinking ‘man, the airflow in here is great.’ More often than not, unless you’re an HVAC fanatic, you’ll only pay attention to poor airflow. So, if it suddenly feels that the air coming out your vents is uneven or weak, it may be as a result of a blocked duct. Don’t pay for a poor performing HVAC unit, give us a call instead!
Exacerbated Allergies
Have you been feeling extra sneezy recently? Maybe you’ve been rubbing your eyes a little more often than usual? It may be a result of dust, pollen, pet dander, and practically any microscopic allergen you could possibly think of, making its rounds around your home via your air ducts. Dirty air ducts accumulate nasty allergens which can and will exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues if they are not properly cleaned.
Buildup of Dust and Debris
Dirty air ducts can quickly accumulate both dust and debris, which negatively affects your quality of life. This buildup of dust and debris circulates through your home, making its way into every room, lowering your indoor air quality, triggering allergy symptoms left and right, all while expending more energy, and creating a bigger hole in your wallet. It may not seem like it, but keeping an eye on your air ducts can help mitigate a whole lot of discomfort for you and your family.
Unpleasant Odors
Sniff Sniff. Can you smell it? What could it be, what’s that smell? Could it be burnt plastic, or expired eggs? It doesn’t take an HVAC expert to tell you that unless you forgot to throw the garbage out, then there is absolutely no reason why there should be any unpleasant odors in your home. Often when HVAC units malfunction, they are accompanied by various distinct smells that serve as an indicator that there is something wrong with your unit. This is usually a result of mold, mildew or leaking fluids. More often than not, it’s just an indication that there are contaminants that need to be removed.
Don’t Ignore Your Air Ducts! Lean on an Expert
At CJS Heating and Air we’ve made it our mission to help families regain their comfort. Your home is your safe space, a sanctuary, a place of comfort from the outside world, which means that you should feel comfortable in it. You should have the peace of mind of knowing that when you turn on the air on a hot summer day cold air will come out without you sneezing up a storm. So next time you’ve got an inkling your air duct needs cleaning, lean on the expert help of CJS Heating and Air, where 100% satisfaction is not just a promise—but a guarantee.
