Poor indoor air quality has been identified as one of the top reasons for health problems among Americans. So, it is essential to ensure that the air we breathe indoors is clear of contaminants. Regular air duct cleaning can significantly reduce indoor air contaminants, making your home a healthier place to live. While it’s advisable to get your ducts inspected and cleaned regularly, it’s also important to keep an eye on the signs of a bad or faulty air duct. On that note, in this post, we list nine signs indicating that it’s time for an HVAC cleaning. Let’s get started.
There's Mold Growth Around the HVAC Vents
If there is mold on your vents, it is probably inside your ducts too. One of the major reasons for mold growth is the presence of moisture inside the ducts. The mold growth can lead to serious health issues, especially for those who have any allergies or respiratory issues. It is, therefore, advisable to opt for preventive maintenance of an HVAC to ensure that there is no moisture trapped inside the ducts.
You Need to Frequently Clean/Replace Your Air Filters
If you are cleaning or replacing your air filters more frequently than you used to, chances are that your HVAC’s air ducts are very dirty. Usually, air filters with lower MERV need to be replaced every 1-2 months, whereas ones with higher MERV need to be replaced anywhere between 3 months to a year. But if the frequency at which you are cleaning or replacing your air filters is unusual, then you must call an expert for Duct cleaning services in Taft Ca
There's Dust on the Grills
While a little bit of dust on the grills isn’t a cause of much worry, you shouldn’t ignore it if you notice little puffs of dirt and debris when you switch on the HVAC. There’s a high probability that your ducts are blocked and pollutants (contaminants) are circulating in the air. It’s also a sign that your air ducts need cleaning.
There's a Rise in Your Energy Bills
If there’s a significant hike in your energy bills while your energy consumption and the energy prices haven’t changed, then this could be because your HVAC ducts are clogged or have any leaks. A duct leak or clogged duct leads to a reduction in the efficiency of the HVAC, and as a result, the HVAC has to work harder to maintain the required temperature. This also leads to higher energy consumption, thus leading to higher energy bills.
You Noticed Any Unusual Sounds or Animal Droppings
If you hear any unusual sounds from your HVAC or notice any signs of a rodent or any other animal living inside the duct, you may have an insect infestation. A peculiar smell or animal droppings is another major sign of an infestation, and so you must call up an expert for duct cleaning in Shafter, CA, and the surrounding areas.
You and Your Family Are Experiencing Unexplained Health Problems
Poor indoor air quality could be one of the major reasons for unexplained health problems existing in your family. If you (or anyone in your family) are facing aggravated allergy issues or respiratory problems, you must immediately schedule an appointment for a mini-split HVAC service in Tehachapi, CA, and the surrounding areas and have your ducts inspected.
Your Home Renovation Project Has Kicked in a Lot of Dust
If your home has gone through a major renovation, such as a hardwood floor sanded down or a sheetrock repair, you would have a lot of dust accumulated in the house. A lot of this dust may have also been sucked into your HVAC system, so it is important to call a heating and cooling expert in Bakersfield, CA, and have the whole unit serviced.
Your HVAC's Airflow Has Substantially Reduced
Is your HVAC not cooling or heating enough? If your HVAC’s airflow has reduced drastically, then it could be because of a clogged HVAC duct. The dust, dirt, and grime that would have accumulated inside your HVAC ducts might be blocking the air from getting through, hence the reduced airflow. Try wiping the grime and dust buildup around the grills to see if that helps. Also, call up an expert for duct cleaning in Shafter, CA, or nearby areas.
If Your House Smells Musty
If you are unable to get rid of that musty smell in your house, it could be due to dirty and clogged air ducts. Switch off the HVAC for some time, and then turn it on again. When your HVAC starts up, pay attention to the smell. If the smell gets stronger, then the musty smell might be caused due to dust being burned by the heat of your HVAC. Dust or grime, if allowed to build up in the air ducts, tends to burn with time. It’s a clear sign to have your HVAC ducts cleaned at the earliest.
Just like your car needs regular maintenance, your HVAC needs regular tune-ups. Air duct cleaning is an important service to consider if you want to ensure your HVAC system outlives its expected lifespan. Also, a lack of duct maintenance can lead to costly HVAC repair in Taft, CA. So, make sure you opt for regular duct cleaning in Shafter, CA. If you need any heating and cooling services in Bakersfield, CA, or surrounding areas, we at Holders Air Conditioning & Heating are ready to help. Call us at 661-864-1925 or drop us a line at support@holdersac.com.
