It’s spring cleaning season. While you scour every inch of your house don’t forget to clean your vents. The EPA suggests that you clean your vents on an as needed basis, but what does that mean? Here are five signs that you need an air duct cleaning. Make certain that you hire a professional with the experience and the training for this type of service. If a service technician fails to follow proper cleaning protocol, it can cause indoor air problems and possibly damage your duct work.
Visible Mold Growth
Mold free air is vital for your family’s health and the comfort of your home. If there is visible mold growth in any part of your home, your vents may also be affected. Mold in your ducts can lead to serious breathing and other health related problems. If you notice mold in your ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system, you probably need your ducts cleaned by a professional.
Signs of Rodent or Insect Infestation
Do you see any signs of shells or husks from insects, small scratches or droppings along the side of your ducts? If you do, then chances are you have an insect or rodent infestation. Insect and pest leavings can cause serious adverse health effects in those with weakened immune systems. Once the exterminator is gone get those ducts cleaned as soon as possible to remove harmful pest leavings.
Excessive Dirt and Debris
Overtime, ducts become clogged with dirt and debris. Clogged ducts can affect the overall efficiency of airflow and release these pollutants into the air of your home through your supply registers. If you are suffering from allergies or just want to lower your heating and cooling bills, a vent cleaning can help you out.
Carbon Monoxide
If you use a fuel burning stove, furnace or fireplace, you’re more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. To help combat this hazard, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends homeowners to have their ducts inspected, cleaned and/or repaired prior to each heating season.
Air Duct Inspection Reveals Need for Duct Cleaning
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventative maintenance can save you a lot of money in the long run. It is logical to expect your ducts to get dirty over a certain period of time. Get them cleaned when needed as preventative maintenance to ensure the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Duct cleaning is a process that involves cleaning the various components of your heating and cooling system including your registers, grilles, heat exchangers, heating and cooling coils, ducts and drip pans.