Everyone wants good indoor air quality within their home. Otherwise, homeowners are prone to common pollutants that endanger respiratory health. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems improve air quality by ventilating and regulating air through air ducts.
With the amount of air that filters through air ducts, it’s reasonable to question whether contaminants get trapped within HVAC systems. Is air duct cleaning necessary, and if so, who are the best air duct cleaning experts in Tampa? Below, we’ll discuss when, why, and how to clean air ducts.
What Are Air Ducts?
Air ducts are connected to HVAC units and circulate hot and cool air throughout the home. Air ducts that aren’t adequately maintained can cause high utility bills, erratic indoor temperatures, and impaired HVAC systems.
One example of proper maintenance is closing unused vents, such as ones located in the basement or attic. Doing so prevents 20 to 30 percent of air leaks, improves HVAC system performance, and lowers energy costs.
When to Clean Air Ducts
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, air ducts act as a filter for many particles in the home. This means dirt, pollutants, and other particles generally don’t move out of the duct and into the living space.
Many people will be relieved to know that dirty air ducts don’t introduce harmful contaminants into the home. So, is air duct cleaning necessary even if they don’t cause bad air quality?
Yes – air ducts may still need cleaning in certain situations, like if the HVAC system begins to act abnormally. Fortunately, professionals can fix many of the problems air ducts experience.
There are three main reasons why ducts stop working. If you experience any of these issues, it may be time to call an expert to help.
1. Visible Mold Growth
Mold is a dangerous health hazard that you should get rid of as soon as possible. Mold poisoning can cause cardiovascular problems and allergic reactions.
Mold spreads through spores that travel through the air. Air ducts that contain mold risk polluting the entire home. Floors, carpets, and the foundation are all at risk if infected with mold.
Check with a duct cleaning service to inspect the heating and cooling system if you suspect mold. Professionals can quickly inspect the system to find and test any visible mold growth. Then they can offer solutions to the issue.
Don’t wait to get your air ducts inspected for mold if you experience signs such as:
- Coughing, sneezing, or runny nose inside the home
- Sore throat
- Unexplained skin rash
- Headache
- Wheezing
2. Clogged Ducts
Although air ducts act as a filter, unfortunately, this means they can become clogged from particles entering the HVAC system. Many of these clogs are due to improper maintenance, such as preventing leaks or damaged ductwork.
Clogged ducts prevent airflow within the home, leading to costly energy bills, so be sure to keep track of your HVAC system’s performance and note any changes. For example, if you understand seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and air conditioning systems, you can notice when your HVAC system starts using more energy or struggling to keep your house cool.
Clogged ducts are preventable with correct maintenance and precautions, so there’s no reason to let them ruin the comfort of your home or put a hole in your pocket.
3. Check for Pests
There are a variety of pests that nest inside of air ducts. Some leave behind signs, while others don’t leave a trace. Be aware of these common pests that can live inside air ducts:
- Insects – Spiders and other insects like roaches can travel through air ducts. To prevent this, use insecticide around your outdoor HVAC unit and your ducts to prevent an outbreak.
- Rodents – Rats can chew or claw their way into HVAC systems and make their nests. If you’ve noticed a critter or two in the home but can’t find the source, check the HVAC system. Look for a hole in the unit or droppings around the duct.
- Snakes – Snakes like to nestle in the ducts during the colder months for warmth. They’re hard to find because they don’t leave many traces. The best way to avoid snakes in your HVAC system is prevention. Keep your yard mowed and weeded to make it less likely for snakes to enter the home.
How to Clean Air Ducts
The best way to clean air ducts is by calling a professional who has the right knowledge, tools, and safety precautions. For example, if mold is present in the air ducts, DIY cleaning could spread the spores throughout your home and contaminate a larger area.
A professional duct cleaning company will loosen dirt and debris in your ducts using specialized tools, then vacuum out dust and debris with a high-strength vacuum cleaner. A reputable service provider should clean all parts of the HVAC system, or else the parts that were not cleaned may contaminate the rest of the system.
There’s a lot to know about HVAC systems. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to prevent damage. Turn to a professional for regular maintenance if you have any questions about your HVAC system, like if you want to learn whether leaving the AC on all day is a good idea.
Is air duct cleaning necessary? In some situations, it can be highly effective. If you’re concerned about pests or mold growth in your air ducts, reach out to ABS Air Conditioning Company. With Nate-certified technicians, you can expect a quick and efficient air duct cleaning. They also offer a 24/7 emergency hotline so you can get around-the-clock service. Call an air duct cleaning professional today at (813) 579-6658.
