We rely on our HVAC systems to make our homes comfortable throughout the year. However, did you know that the parts that make the HVAC systems, especially its ducts, hugely influence our daily lives?
Unfortunately, HVAC ducts are a favorite place for dust and dirt to hide. If left unserviced, this could lead to skyrocketing energy bills, unpleasant smells, and noises. It’s also a potential health hazard. Fortunately, there is an answer to this trouble.
Getting air duct cleaning in Lancaster PA offers a myriad of benefits. So, you should know the signs to know when to get them cleaned.
Here are 6 signs you need your air duct cleaned:
1. Dust In Your Home
Since it is found everywhere, it is naturally impossible to get rid of dust. Every home is inclined to dust intrusion, which is why we have to keep dusting our houses.
However, if the dust is getting too much despite cleaning your house, the problem could be in the air ducts. How? Because dust from outside the ducts gets inside through holes and leaks. The HVAC system then carries this dust through the vents and deposits it into the house.
If you sneeze more than usual and your house is too dusty, try looking at your ductwork. It could be faulty and responsible for bringing in dust. You should do something about it soon, else you’ll put yourself at risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.
2. Increased Energy Costs
It is entirely normal for some air to escape when being channeled through your ducts. However, when as much as 20% air escapes from your pipes, you’ll notice the difference in your energy bill.
If you turn your thermostat on to enjoy the cool or warmth at home, and the indoor temperature gets higher or lower, but not to the desired temperature, the reason for this is because a lot of air is escaping due to your HVAC being inefficient.
This inefficiency translates to your energy bill because your HVAC system is working harder to cool or heat your home. If you haven’t recently installed electronic gadgets in your home, such as kitchen appliances or computers, then the sharp projection in your energy bill could result from faulty ductwork. Thus, you can save up to thousands annually by cleaning your HVAC system.
3. Noisy HVAC Operation
Your HVAC system makes noise while working. However, if the sound becomes too loud and distracts you from doing other things, your air duct needs cleaning.
The annoying sounds could be rattling sounds or too much vibration from the HVAC. The ducts in your system are usually connected using fiberglass joints or plastics. You begin to hear too much noise when the joints get damaged.
You will also hear too much noise when air is circulating through the ducts if there are holes in the ductwork. Don’t ignore this noise as it will only get worse.
4. You’ve Carried Out Construction or Renovation.
Construction work is always messy. Even when contractors are careful and clean the mess when done, debris, dirt, and dust will find its way into the ducts. This happens even when you try to shut down or cover your HVAC system during the entire construction process.
When the debris settles inside the ducts, the airflow from your HVAC system will be compromised. The dust from construction can also cause significant health issues, so you don’t want to keep the debris in your air ducts.
Hence, get your HVAC cleaned after any renovation or construction work.
5. Mold
It is advised to clean your air ducts often because they can develop mold, especially if you live in a humid climate. This is because both air conditioners and furnaces can develop condensation.
Mold and mildew appear as a result of fluctuating temperatures – both outside and inside the air ducts. For instance, if warm air travels inside a cold pipe, condensation can occur. If left to continue for several months, mold and mildew will appear. You can begin smelling it when the air is pushed into your house.
Mold can lead to a lot of health problems. Other than that, it can extremely rot and spoil your furniture.
Get your air ducts cleaned the moment your smell mold in your HVAC system.
6. Old Air Ducts
Old ducts can cause significant problems when you continue using them. Don’t assume that because the system still works effectively, you can continue using the old ductwork. You may never know when problems will emerge. This is especially if your house was built in the 70s and still uses old roofing and insulation systems. If so, get them inspected immediately.
When you don’t inspect your pipes, you put your health in danger and risk. You’ll also pay more in energy bills.
In Conclusion
It is crucial to get your HVAC system cleaned once in a while. Doing this prevents you from paying high energy bills and keeps you safe from respiratory hazards. If you notice your house is always gusty even after cleaning regularly, you need to get your air ducts cleaned. Also, get HVAC system cleaning services after you’ve carried out construction or renovation work at your home.
