Your air ducts are what keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Over time they accumulate dust and dirt that can interfere with your airflow and blow pollutants into the air. This is especially bad if you have asthma or allergies.
Keeping this in mind, just how often should you clean your air ducts?
The typical recommendation is every 3-5 years. This can vary depending on where you live and the amount of sand or dirt in your area.
Many people aren’t aware of air duct cleaning, much less the signs that you need them cleaned. Below you will find answers to common questions people ask about having them cleaned by a professional duct cleaning service.
What is Air Duct Cleaning?
Air duct cleaning is when a professional comes into your home and cleans your entire heating and cooling system, including vents, diffusers, heat exchangers, and heating and cooling coils. They do this by using tools such as brushes, vacuums, and other devices. If you’re considering doing this yourself, it’s not recommended. If you don’t clean your system correctly, you may do it wrong, unintentionally causing pollutants and debris to come into your home.
What Are Some Signs Your System Needs Cleaning?
- Mold
Mold is dangerous. It can cause severe breathing issues and may also make you ill. Mold spreads quickly; if you find mold in your vents, you need to remove it and then talk to a professional about cleaning your air ducts immediately.
- Frequent Sinus Infections
If you notice you are frequently sick with sinus infections, colds, allergies, or other respiratory issues, it may be time to get them cleaned.
- Increased dust and dirt around your home
If you have noticed you have to dust, vacuum, or sweep more often, this may be a sign it’s time to get your ducts cleaned. You may also notice that when your heat or air turns on, it blows tiny particles into the air.
- Rodents or insects are living in your ducts
Sometimes rodents can burrow their way in your air ducts. These pests carry a lot of bacteria and diseases, and the spores can make their way into your home, increasing your chances of respiratory illnesses. One rule of thumb is if you see one, there’s a lot more. Once they make it into your ductwork, you can bet it’ll only be a matter of time before they come inside. You want to prevent this, or you’re going to have more significant issues.
- New Home or Renovations
When you have had any renovations done to your home, you’re going to have all sorts of dust and debris in your ducts. No matter how much you clean your home afterward, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to remove it all. Breathing in all that sawdust, drywall dust, and other types of dust may leave you susceptible to breathing issues.
- Increased Energy Costs
Your energy costs should remain consistent throughout the year. If you notice a sudden increase or it’s slowly increasing, you may want to have your ductwork inspected. The dust and dirt in air ducts build up over time, making your furnace and air conditioner work harder.
Keep Things in Check
- Inspect Your Vents
Remove your vent covers and see if they are dirty. If you see dirt or dust, you know it’s time to have them cleaned. Even if it’s just a little, you may want to consider getting them inspected.
- Check Your Return Air Registers
Remove your return air registers and look to see if there is any buildup. If there is buildup, then clean it off then inspect the register.
- Inspect the Furnace and Air Conditioner
These tend to accumulate a lot of dust quickly. If you see that the filter has a lot of dust, clean it off or buy a new one. Inspect the fan, motor, and then the controls.
Air Duct Cleaning Services for Michigan Homes
Cleaning you own air ducts is possible but not recommended. Without the commercial equipment designed for this service, you may run the risk of damage or unknowingly unleash contaminants into your home that can do harm. We recommend having a professional clean your air ducts because they have the needed tools and will make sure it’s done correctly and saving you time, energy, and possibly money. Also, make sure to inspect your duct work yearly, between the change of seasons so that you know you are breathing clean all the time.
Call Unique Air Duct Cleaning located in Livonia for a Free Estimate on our duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning services. We use the most advanced equipment in the industry ensuring it’s a job done right and well. Experience the difference that residents throughout the Detroit metro area and beyond have been benefiting for years. It always a great time to breathe clean, call today!