Most of us have no idea what goes on in the ducts in our home and if we’re lucky we’ll never have to. But keeping tabs on the situation in there is very important to ensuring the health and safety of those in your home. The air you breathe goes through the duct work and if something is wrong you may find out after someone gets sick or at least starts exhibiting symptoms of discomfort.
Sticky residue in your air ducts is not a good sign, it means they are not clean.
You want your air ducts clean and clear and while dust is always a concern, sticky dust is an even bigger issue you need to handle fast. We’ve got some information below on what to do when you find sticky residue in your air ducts and what might be the cause.
Moisture and Your Ducts
Your air ducts should be dry. So when you find a clearly wet substance in the ducts, that’s a problem. This is usually the result of moisture getting into the ducts and collecting dust and grime to build up a rather unpleasant substance that, if left unchecked, could start to really build up in your duct system. And while this is annoying enough, it is usually a sign of a more serious issue.
What To Do When You Find Moisture in Your Ducts
The first step is to think of the last time you changed your filtration hardware in your ducts. If the filtration system is no longer working, then you’re going to get build up which can be of both debris and moisture that come together to form the gross, sticky substance you’re finding in your vent. The most proper schedule is to replace your filter once every 2 to 3 months, or once a season. A professional can help you with this.
Mold in Your Ducts
If you spot a sticky residue in your ducts, your first thought might be dreaded mold. But don’t panic, as mentioned above most sticky residue in air ducts is a combination of excess moisture and dust or dirt. But that doesn’t mean mold won’t follow. Anywhere moisture lingers, mold finds fertile ground to grow and spread. So if you’ve found sticky residue, mold may not be too far behind if you don’t tackle the cause of the excess moisture in your ducts.
Additional Questions
How do I select a professional to take care of my air ducts?
Hiring an air duct cleaning service is pretty easy but there are a few things to remember. Don’t buy into exaggerated claims about health benefits. Getting your ducts cleaned and keeping that way will protect your family, but it won’t keep bacteria, allergens, and viruses out of your home completely. Ask about their cleaning methods or if they’ve worked in homes similar to yours. Do they use an advanced cleaning system? Newer technology does a more thorough job with better results. If you have a special situation, such as a pet or a family member with respiratory concerns, ask them about it.
How do I know if my ducts have become clogged?
The simplest way to spot this is to make sure airflow is coming out of vents in rooms when you turn your HVAC system on. If there is no air, or a noticeably lack of air, you may have a clog. Having your air ducts cleaned properly will remedy this as well as help the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Don’t forget about your dryer vent! Dryer vents are known to harbor lint, dust and other particles and can be a fire hazard if not cleaned at least annually. Duct cleaning services provide dryer vent cleaning as well.
If you notice sticky residue on your registers and vents speak to a duct cleaning company such as Unique Air Duct Cleaning in Livonia today. We use the most advanced cleaning system in the industry that can reach all contaminants in any air duct angle or elbow. The air ducts in your home are cleaned in one pass then air washed out of your home. Call for a Free Estimate and start breathing clean today!