The Environmental Protection Agency (or EPA) lists indoor air as one of the top 5 pollutants and environmental dangers in the country. According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside. Hundreds, even thousands of chemicals and microbes are released into your indoor air system every single day.
Some of the most common indoor air pollutants include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, bacteria, virus, mold, and fungi. When these pollutants contaminate the air, they can aggravate your allergies or asthma, cause dry throats and itchy skin, and leave you vulnerable to colds and viruses.
You may have read blogs or you might have seen videos of people having their air ducts cleaned out. The trendy videos have been seen by home owners across the US, & many are left wondering if Duct Cleaning really works.
Here are 4 tell-tale signs that you may need to have your ducts cleaned:
Your HVAC system needs to be cleaned and serviced often—in fact, most manufacturers and HVAC pros recommend scheduling two service visits per year. Because both the air conditioner and furnace can develop a little condensation, mold growth is highly likely, especially if you live in a humid climate, like here in Arkansas.
Mold found on your furnace, air conditioner, or air handler isn’t a guarantee that your ductwork has been affected, but it certainly increases the chances.
Construction leaves behind a giant mess. Even when your contractors are diligent about cleaning up and closing off work areas to keep the rest of the house tidy, dust and debris will always find its way in.
Construction dust can contain particulate matter that you don’t want to breathe, so don’t wait until you experience respiratory problems to call in the pros.
If you notice that every flat surface in your house is coated in a layer of dust almost immediately after you’ve put away your cleaning supplies, you probably need to have your ducts cleaned.
Take a look at both the supply and return vents around your house. Are they visibly dirty and dusty? Carefully remove a vent cover and look into the ductwork. Is the metal covered in dust?
Your energy costs shouldn’t increase significantly month to month. If you have a bill that is noticeably high, however, or if you look at your account and notice that your utility bills are much higher now compared to the same time a year ago, your home’s ductwork might be at fault.
In some cases, ductwork can become so dirty that air isn’t able to flow freely and efficiently through your home’s HVAC system. When this happens, your furnace and air conditioner are forced to work harder (use more energy, in other words) to maintain the temperature you’ve set at the thermostat. This extra energy expenditure translates to higher utility bills for you.
Beyond removing airflow-obstructing dirt and debris, your air duct cleaning technician will also keep an eye out for leaking ducts. Ductwork is usually installed in a home in sections, and these sections are sealed to prevent air leakage. Over years of use, however, these seals can deteriorate, which reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system.
The bottom line is that when your ductwork isn’t sealed properly, you’re paying for heated and cooled air that you don’t get to enjoy.
A visit from an air duct cleaning service every 3 to 5 years can prevent many problems, both with your HVAC system, and your health, long before they start. Plus, you’ll soon begin saving money on heating and cooling:
Better and reliable over-all performance from your HVAC unit
Fewer expensive repairs from wear and tear and longer HVAC unit life
More energy efficiency, reducing your energy bills
Lower likelihood of respiratory and allergy problems
Less dust makes it easier to clean and maintain your home’s living space
When you suspect that it’s time to have your ducts inspected for a cleaning, the only choice to call is Paschal Air Plumbing & Electric. We’re experts in indoor air quality in Northwest Arkansas, Missouri, and the Fort Smith River Valley & have served our customers for more than 50+ years.
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