How Dirty is Your Duct?

Clean air is essential. Recently, indoor air quality has become an important concern for homeowners. Many people live with the assumption that it’s normal for their HVAC ducts to harbor dust, pollen and debris.

However, this is not true. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends duct cleaning under certain circumstances. Here are the five most frequent signs that it’s time to have your ducts cleaned.

1. Airborne Debris

The most common indication for duct cleaning is dust and debris that’s blocking airflow or is released from your HVAC vents. Forced air systems pull dust in on the return side and force it out of vents on the supply side. A thorough duct cleaning can remove debris from both parts of the system.

2. Strange Odors

If you notice unusual, musty or offensive odors when you enter your home or when your air conditioner turns on, it’s time to have your ducts cleaned. Foul odors can be caused by a variety of contaminants as well as underlying moisture problems.

3. Visible Mold Growth

Mold is one of the most serious air quality problems. In addition to damaging your home, it can cause a variety of health problems. That’s why it’s important to fix leaks and correct moisture problems quickly. If your ducts are slimy, saturated with water or covered by mold, remediation is necessary. Metal ducts can be cleaned, but insulated ducts usually need to be replaced.

4. Pest Infestations

Rodent and insect infestations are bad enough, but they can also wreak havoc with your HVAC system. When pests enter your ducts, airborne diseases can be blown into every room. Cockroaches are known to trigger asthma, and rodent droppings are laced with serious illnesses, including hantavirus and salmonella. If pests have invaded your ducts, have them cleaned.

5. Allergies

Those with allergies suffer even more when airborne contaminants are distributed by their heating and cooling equipment. If you cough, sneeze or experience itchy, watery eyes when your furnace or air conditioner kicks on or when you pass by air vents, ask a professional to inspect your ducts to see if duct cleaning is the right solution.

Today, homeowners have many options for improving their indoor air quality. Duct cleaning can help remove pet dander, construction debris and dirt from previous owners. If duct cleaning isn’t enough, consider adding a sophisticated filtration system, whole-house air purifier or UV lamp that cleans the air and destroys pollutants at the source.

Looking for an HVAC technician in San Antonio? Call Rosenberg Indoor Comfort at (210) 987-5587 for quality service you can trust!