Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?

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Air ducts are essential in keeping your home healthy and comfortable. However, as they become clogged with dust and other debris over time, they can negatively impact the quality of the air you breathe. That’s why it is important to schedule regular air duct service and cleaning to maintain your home’s indoor air quality. 

What Are Air Ducts?

Indoor air ducts are the conduits that transport air from your heating and cooling system to various rooms in your home. These ducts are typically made from metal or fiberglass and are designed to be as airtight as possible to prevent leaks and maintain proper airflow. 

Most air ducts are located out of sight in your home’s walls, floors, or ceilings. As time passes, your ducts may become clogged with dust particles, dirt, pollen, or even mold spores if moisture is present. This can pollute your home’s indoor air and cause serious health risks for you and your family. 

Air duct inefficiency can be directly caused by a lack of maintenance and proper cleaning. That’s why it is essential to clean all components of your heating and cooling system regularly to avoid poor filtration and dangerous airborne contaminants. 

How Often Should Air Ducts be Cleaned?

Maintain healthy indoor air quality in your home by staying on top of your unit’s duct maintenance. At AC Designs, we recommend scheduling air duct cleaning at least once every two to three years. However, some homes should have their ducts cleaned more frequently. 

If you have pets in your home, schedule more frequent duct cleanings to prevent dander from clogging your heating and cooling system. Indoor smoking can also lead to a buildup of smoke residue in your conduits, resulting in odors and even health hazards for non-smokers in your home. 

You should also have your ducts professionally cleaned after construction work takes place in your home due to excessive dust and debris build-up. If your overall home air quality begins to decline, don’t hesitate to schedule a professional cleaning with AC Designs. 

Issues Caused By Dirty Air Ducts 

A lack of indoor air duct maintenance can result in numerous consequences around the house, from respiratory issues to financial burdens. 

Allergies and Respiratory Issues

When your air ducts are clogged with dust and debris, the air circulating through your home carries these particles. This can irritate your respiratory system and exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms.  

Reduced Airflow

Dirty air ducts can restrict the airflow in your heating and cooling system, causing your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to. This results in higher energy bills and can reduce the lifespan of your unit. This can also place added strain on your system, resulting in the need for expensive future repairs. 

Unpleasant Odors

Improperly maintained air ducts can also cause unpleasant odors to circulate throughout your home, especially if you have pets or if someone in your home smokes.

Mold Growth

When there is moisture in your air ducts, it can lead to mold growth. This can be a serious health hazard, as mold can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and other health problems.

Protect Your Indoor Air Quality 

In between professional air duct cleanings, there are many preventative measures you can take to minimize dust build-up. Install high-efficiency air filters in your home to assist your unit in filtering particles like dust and pollen from your indoor air. 

Dust and vacuum around your home often to prevent new contaminants from circulating. Be sure to change your air filters regularly to keep your system running efficiently and avoid blockages. You should also ensure that your ducts are properly sealed to prevent moisture and mold contamination. 

Schedule AC Duct Cleaning Service Today

Clean and efficient air ducts are essential in keeping the air inside your home safe to breathe. At AC Designs, we’ll provide the professional duct cleaning service you deserve to keep your family healthy and your electricity bill reasonable. Contact us today to schedule your air duct cleaning with our team of experienced technicians.