There are many components of your HVAC system. You are probably well aware of the heating component linked to the furnace inside your home and the cooling component connected to the AC, which sits outside your home. But the duct is another part of your HVAC that is often overlooked.
Air ducts allow air to move through your home, warming or cooling it as it passes through the vents.
Although this component isn’t visible, it is critical to a well-working system. And since it isn’t, you may not realize that this could be why your HVAC system is having trouble. Here are some common problems you may face with ductwork that indicate you need professional help, beginning with duct cleaning.
Clogged Filters
One of the biggest problems that most homeowners have with their air ducts is that the filters are clogged. One of the main reasons your filters get clogged is general use. As a rule of thumb, replacing your dirty filters every three months is a good idea for optimal airflow. This is especially important if you use candles, incense, or other items that make your filters dirtier more quickly.
Having your air ducts cleaned professionally helps with this issue.
Improper Insulation
A good air duct company can tell if you have improper insulation of your air ducts. But one way to know that your ducts aren’t adequately insulated is to look at the costs of your energy bills. If they are high, your air ducts may not have proper insulation.
Airflow Problems
Have you ever stood in one room where it is pretty cold, but you go to another room where it is quite warm when running your HVAC? This could indicate that you have an airflow problem with your ducts. They may have become entangled over the years or have become filled with so much dirt and buildup that the air isn’t flowing throughout the house.
Try having them cleaned by a duct cleaning service to remove the buildup. This will give you a better idea of what is really going on with the airflow.
Noises
When you cut your HVAC system on, do you hear plenty of strange noises as it runs? For example, there may be a loud thud before and after it runs a cycle. Or maybe it sounds like particles are flying through the air ducts. These noises could mean a more extensive problem inside your vents that needs addressing so your system can run correctly.
Strange Odors
Another common problem with air ducts is that you may smell strange odors when you run the system. Sometimes, the system in your home may be old and may not have been cleaned for years. As a result, you may be smelling the buildup of tons of dirt, hair, insect parts, and other debris stuck in the ducts. The odor may smell musty, mechanical, or burnt as it spreads throughout your home.
Mold Buildup
One other strange odor you may be smelling when you run your HVAC system is the musty smell of mold. This particular odor needed its own section because this specific odor could become a severe threat to your family’s health. Some molds in your home may not be toxic. However, if there is toxic mold, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, within your vents, this can cause severe respiratory problems for you and your family.
You may experience difficulty breathing, watery eyes, fatigue, nausea, and coughing. And the strange thing about these symptoms is that you only may experience them when you are in your home. Being away at work or on vacation may clear these problems up immediately.
What To Do If You Have These Problems
If you notice any of these problems with your system, chances are you will need air duct work done, such as a thorough cleaning to get your system working again. Our professional air duct company specializes in air duct cleaning and can immediately fix your issues and restore your indoor comfort levels.
Call today to learn more about our duct cleaning services and schedule an inspection so that we can discover the source of your problem and work to resolve it quickly. Unique Air Duct Cleaning in Livonia is a trusted and experienced duct cleaning business that can help. Removing the build up of dirt, dust and debris in your air ducts will help determine what is going on with your duct work. In fact, clean air ducts may the answer you are looking for!