Whether you’re turning on your air conditioner for the first time during summer or turning on your heater for winter, dirty air ducts can make your home feel stuffy and dirty. If you’ve replaced air filters and are still dealing with problems, it might be time to clean your air ducts.
Poor air quality can make your home uncomfortable and leave you wishing you could have prevented the discomfort. In this blog, we discuss common causes of dirty air ducts and the signs you may see. With this knowledge, you can ensure the highest air quality and a comfortable, safe home.
1. You’re Dealing With A Pest Infestation
Sometimes pests, including bugs, mice, rats, squirrels, or birds, can find their way into your HVAC system. While they’re in your air ducts, they may leave behind leftover food, dirt, and droppings. These can lead to bacteria in your air ducts and contaminate the air in your home. If you notice pests in your home, you should consider calling professionals to check out your air ducts. They may find nests and debris that need to be cleaned out before you use your HVAC system again.
2. Your Home Is Dustier Than Usual
Have you noticed no matter what you do, you always have dust and dirt on surfaces in your home? While some dust in your home is normal, a collection of dust that you are struggling to keep away is a sign that you need to clean your air ducts. This dust could have been collected in your air ducts. When your HVAC system is turned on, it blows dust across the surfaces of your home. To preserve your time and prevent excess cleaning, you should call a professional to get your air ducts cleaned.
3. You’ve Just Renovated
When you renovate your home, there is a lot of debris involved. Whether it is a partial renovation or you are completely overhauling your home, the construction in your home is going to lead to a lot of dust and debris in the air. If your HVAC system is turned on during construction, this dust and debris is pulled into the system. Once your renovation is complete, you should consider calling a professional to clean your air ducts. It will make your new home feel cleaner.
4. Your Home Has Poor Airflow
Your HVAC system is responsible for the air flowing through your home. If you notice that the air in your home feels stale, it might be a sign that your air ducts are dirty. The debris may prevent the air from flowing freely through your home. The first step to figuring out if the air ducts are clogged is to wipe the grills of your air ducts. If this still has not improved the airflow in your home, you should call a professional to clean your air ducts.
5. Your Allergies Are Bad
Allergies in your home may be caused by exposure to dust and debris in the air. If you have not dealt with allergies in your home in a while and suddenly notice that they have gotten much worse, it might be a sign you need to clean your air ducts. Getting them cleaned should quickly alleviate the irritation you’re experiencing.
6. You Notice Mold
Condensation build-up in your HVAC system is not uncommon. This excessive moisture can quickly lead to mold and mildew growth. If there is a visible growth of mold on or around your HVAC system, this is a good indication that it is time to clean your air ducts. If left uncleaned, you and your family can begin to experience severe respiratory problems. If you have noticed mold growth, contacting a team of professionals to clean your air ducts is crucial.
7. Your Airducts Smell Musty
When you turn on your HVAC system, it may smell a bit musty. Even after your HVAC system has been on for a while, you still can’t get rid of the musty smell. This is a sign that a collection of dust is built up in your air ducts. The musty smell is caused by your HVAC burning the dust. If you’re dealing with this persistent musty smell, it might be time to clean your air ducts.
8. You Haven’t Cleaned Them In A While
If it has been a while since you cleaned your air ducts, then it might be time to think about getting them cleaned. You should hire a team of professionals to clean your air ducts every 3 to 5 years. Having your HVAC system regularly cleaned should prevent any problems you are experiencing. If you just moved in and you are not sure when your air ducts were cleaned last, you should consider getting the system cleaned.
Clean Your Air Ducts With TNT Cleaning
If you are experiencing any of the signs above, it is a good sign that you need to clean your air ducts with professionals you can trust. Our team at TNT Cleaning can help clean your home and make you feel comfortable again. In addition to air duct cleaning, our team also provides carpet repair and flood clean-up. If you are looking for air duct cleaning or would like to speak with one of our professionals, reach out to us today.