Proper home HVAC system maintenance is essential for comfort, efficiency, and health. One important preventative maintenance task that is often overlooked is cleaning the air ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home.
Air ducts are a part of your HVAC system that you should schedule cleaning for every 3-5 years. Here are some key reasons why you should take air duct cleaning seriously and how Area Wide Services can help you create cleaner air for your home.
Improved Air Quality
Over time, dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants can build up inside your air ducts. When these particles circulate through your home, they degrade your indoor air quality. This is especially problematic if you or your family members have allergies or respiratory issues.
For allergy sufferers, dirty air ducts can exacerbate problems tremendously. Air duct cleaning removes contaminants that cause allergic reactions.
A thorough duct cleaning will remove these pollutants so you can breathe cleaner air and stay cool without the respiratory after-effects.
Elimination of Mold Risk
Dirty air ducts provide an ideal environment for mold growth. Tiny mold spores circulate through your home and get deposited in your ductwork. Once they take hold, mold colonies multiply quickly and create health and respiratory problems for those inside.
Proper duct cleaning sanitizes the system to eliminate active mold while removing the dirt and debris that foster mold growth.
Improved HVAC Efficiency
When dirt, dust, and debris accumulate in your ductwork, it can impede proper airflow. Restricted airflow makes your system work harder to try to maintain comfortable temperatures.
Struggling units waste energy and drive up your monthly bills. Keeping your ducts clean improves operational efficiency, so your system doesn’t have to work so hard, leading to premature residential repairs.
Extended Equipment Life
All of the dirt buildup and contaminants passing through your HVAC system can cause premature wear and tear on key components like the blower motor, heating elements, evaporator coil, and compressor.
Clean ducts reduce strain on these parts, so your system lasts longer and you don’t find yourself calling emergency repair services at the worst possible time. Professional cleaning may also identify minor problems before they lead to major repairs.
Reduce Service Calls
Many HVAC repair calls are directly related to dirty components or improper airflow resulting from clogged ductwork. When you stay in touch with a local HVAC maintenance team and keep your ducts clean, you minimize unnecessary service calls, saving you money.
Your system will run more smoothly, and you’ll enjoy consistent comfort without additional costs.
When to Schedule Air Duct Cleaning
Given the many benefits, air duct cleaning is a smart maintenance practice for any home. Here are some good guidelines for when you should have your home’s ductwork professionally cleaned outside of the 3 – 5-year maintenance window:
Building a New Home
Brand new ductwork comes from the factory relatively clean but may contain some debris, dust, or construction residue that could be a swift start to a clogging problem.
Cleaning before occupancy ensures contractors and owners start their HVAC system off with a clean slate and the best opportunity for equipment longevity.
Recent Remodeling Project
Ductwork exposed during remodeling can get dirty. Sealing off vents doesn’t prevent some contaminants from entering. Post-construction duct cleaning removes any pollutants.
Purchasing a Home
When moving into an existing home, you don’t know the condition of the ducts. A pre-move-in duct cleaning ensures you aren’t introducing pollutants carried over from the previous occupants.
Allergy Problems
If you notice increased allergy symptoms or you have a family member with respiratory issues, dirty ducts may be the culprit. Schedule a thorough cleaning to remove allergens.
Musty Smell
If you notice odd or unpleasant smells when your HVAC system runs, mold and mildew may be present in the ductwork. Take action to inhibit microbial growth.
.Water Damage
Flooding, roof leaks, and other water intrusions can dampen duct insulation, fostering mold growth. Duct cleaning and sanitizing are required to remediate the problem.
Schedule Home Duct Performance Testing Today, With Area Wide Services
Even if you think your air ducts are clear, the truth is that they could be clogged up and working against your family’s energy budget.
At Area Wide Services, we offer home duct performance testing that lets our clients better understand their duct work’s condition and what we can do to get air circulating in the home smoothly again.
From duct cleaning to full-on repairs and replacements, our Corsicana HVAC team is always available to help, 24/7.
Ready to breathe cleaner and easier? Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule your next duct cleaning.