Signs Your Air Ducts Need To Be Cleaned

Get Your Ductwork Running Like New

When it comes to clean and comfortable air in your home, your air ducts play an essential role. What causes an air duct to get dirty is the natural buildup of dust and debris from people living in your home — and pets are a contributing factor too!
Over time, these particles will begin to accumulate in your air ducts.

You may not notice it initially, but the signs that it is time to clean your air ducts will reveal themselves. You don’t have to be a professional to spot the signs, so at Ace Air Conditioning & Plumbing, let us help you know when it’s time to schedule your next duct cleaning.

The Importance Of Cleaning Your Ducts

Unlike an HVAC system that requires seasonal maintenance, duct cleaning can be performed less often — every three to five years.

A dirty air duct can rack up power bills and may decrease the indoor air quality of your home. Below are a few signs that you should schedule an air duct service.

Dirty Vent Covers And Air Filters

It is important to check your vent covers from time to time. If you notice a significant build-up of dirt and debris on them, this may be one of the telltale signs of a dirty duct. This could mean that there is obstruction or contaminants in your ducts that are causing the accumulation on your vent covers.

While you’re inspecting, ensure that you change your air filters when they become dirty. It is recommended to change them every ninety days, or sooner if the buildup of dirt and debris happens at a quicker rate.

Your HVAC unit will work its best when all parts are cleaned and debris-free!

Mold Growth In Your Ductwork

If you spot visible mold growth in your air ducts, this is an obvious sign that your system needs an immediate cleaning. You can tell that you’re dealing with mold if there’s discoloration around your vents or your HVAC system produces a foul smell. If you need help detecting this, an AC maintenance professional on our team is here to help you out.

Mold grows at an accelerated rate and can cause structural damage to your home if left untreated. Not to mention serious health effects, especially if you or anyone in your home has allergies or respiratory issues.

Loud HVAC System

Your central air system should not make any loud noises. A faint humming sound of the motor running is all that you should hear, so any loud banging or rattling sound indicates a major problem that should be addressed.

Whistling noises are another sign that your ductwork is damaged, potentially allowing debris and pests to enter your ductwork from the outside. There could also be something blocking your vents that can be removed with the help of a professional.

Limited Or Unstable Airflow

If your vents are working as they should, the rooms in your home should all have a uniform temperature.

If you find out that one room is cooler than the others, check to make sure the vent is open. If it is, this unexplained temperature difference could mean that there is dirt buildup or blockages in your vents that may be cutting off the airflow.

Increased Energy Bills

If you notice a sudden jump in your energy bills, but not in your AC usage, it may be a good time to investigate your unit. The problem may lie in the dirt and debris clogged up in your vents which can make your system work much harder than normal to run effectively.

Signs Of Critters In Your Ductwork

Air ducts might be an ideal place for rodents or insects to call home. The signs of these uninvited guests may be quite obvious from their shedding fur, droppings or other matter left behind.

The sight and smell of these critters can be unpleasant and make your family sick. If you hear them moving in your ducts, reach out for professional help to remove the unwanted guests. If your ducts fall victim to wild animals, contact our team to clean your ductwork so it runs like new.

Lake Charles Indoor Air Quality

Overall, duct cleaning is an efficient way to reduce and prevent many issues from occurring with your HVAC system. Any unusual smells, sights or noises from your unit could be indicating that it’s time to get those ducts cleaned!

For reliable cleaning and improved indoor air quality, turn to Ace Air Conditioning & Plumbing! We provide many services to ensure your central air system runs smoothly, including professional AC maintenance, repair, replacement and more! A clogged air vent or dirty air duct is no trouble for us! Don’t hesitate to give us a call today if you need a professional in your area to check out your air ducts.