Duct cleaning is one of those tasks that are easy to overlook. Your ducts are hidden away so you don’t see what’s actually happening with them if you don’t have someone check them out every once in a while.
Duct maintenance is fairly routine and should be a part of any annual HVAC tuneup, but sometimes a little more is needed. A thorough duct cleaning can provide some valuable benefits if you’re having issues with your air quality or HVAC system efficiency.
Signs you may need a duct cleaning:
- Mold and mildew – If you notice what you suspect is mold on your vents, ceiling or walls, it may also be accumulating inside your ducts. There may be a moisture problem inside your ducts that needs to be addressed.
- Allergies or asthma increases – If the people in your home are having more allergic reactions or asthma issues than usual, you may be able to address the problem by cleaning the ducts.
- Dust, dirt and pollen – Pay close attention when your HVAC system starts. If you see a light cloud of dust or debris exiting your vents, you may need a duct cleaning.
- Vermin or insects – Pests or insects in your ducts are a real problem. They should be fully removed from your ductwork; then the ducts should be cleaned to remove nests, droppings and other debris.
Potential benefits of a thorough, professional duct cleaning:
- Better air quality – If ducts get dirty enough, those particulates can be blown out into your living spaces, exacerbating allergies and respiratory issues for people in your home.
- Lower energy bills – This is not the case for every home, but if there are blockages inside your ducts, clearing them will allow for improved airflow. A qualified technician will also locate duct leaks and other issues during the course of the cleaning, and then seal them for better energy efficiency and airflow.
If you think a professional duct cleaning is right for your home, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. We’ve been serving the greater Dayton area since 1978.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about duct cleaning and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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