4 Signs That a Home's Air Ducts Need to Be Professionally Cleaned

For most homeowners, they are “out of sight and out of mind.” However, ignoring the warnings of dirty air ducts inside a house can lead to potentially dangerous situations, including significant health problems.

The air ducts of a home are what make a living space breathable. They also serve the vital function of distributing warm or cool air efficiently to keep everyone comfortable. Like anything else, air ducts can collect dust, dirt, and even mold. The last thing anyone needs is a circulation system laced with molds, allergens, and other noxious agents that can compromise breathing and health.

How do you know if your air ducts need the attention of a professional air duct cleaning service? Here are four key indicators that a home’s air ducts need to be professionally cleaned.

1. If You Can See It

Take a look at the floor vents or other vents and see if there is dust clinging to the gratings. If this is the case, you can bet that your ducts are accumulating dirt and debris.

Second, if you find that furniture, tabletops, and other items get dusty faster than they should, you probably have dust accumulating in your air ducts.

Third, check for dark filtration lines. If you can see discoloration around registers and vents – including dark lines forming on walls or ceilings – it’s time for a professional cleaning.

2. If You Can Smell It

If you begin to notice unusually “moldy-like” odors in your home, that may mean a serious fungal growth is building up in an air duct. Other types of odors may smell musty, dusty or even take on a “burnt material” quality. Such odors could mean rodent nests or dead rodents inside an air duct.

3. If You Can See Mildew and Mold

In addition to dust building up on vents and grates, zoom in close to see if you can spy small amounts of mildew or mold accumulating. Even a tiny amount is indicative of a much more serious problem. This situation is more likely in locations where there is a lot of warm and humid weather.

4. If Family Members Experience More Allergic Reactions

Does it seem like you or members of your family are having frequent bouts of sneezing, runny eyes or noses, breathing problems, and full-blown asthma attacks? The source of the problem might be the air ducts. Whatever the case, a professional cleaning of ducts is a must for people who are more susceptible to allergies or who have already been medically diagnosed to suffer from asthma.

Additional Tips

If you live in an older home, check to see if anyone has kept home maintenance records. If you find no recording of professional duct cleaning, it may be a good time to call your HVAC provider for a check-up.

Also, if a home has recently undergone remodeling or renovations, this can result in the accumulation of several kinds of dust, from sawdust to particle fibers from drywall, carpeting, flooring, and an array of other materials.

Staying ahead of air duct maintenance is one of the best things you can do to maintain a safe and healthy home environment for every member of your family, including cats, dogs, and other pets.