Did you know that tens of millions of Americans experience seasonal allergies every year?
Although the symptoms of these allergies (including sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and runny noses) can be awful, they are generally short-lived. But what do you do if these symptoms linger?
While allergies might still be the culprit, it could also mean that you should look into air duct cleaning for your home. Your air ducts and HVAC system can trap dust, mold, and allergens inside your walls. Over time, they can get into the air inside your home and significantly affect your indoor air quality.
If you’re unsure of how to tell whether you have healthy air quality in your home or if it might be time for you to contact your air duct cleaning company, fear not.
Read on for seven signs to watch out for that indicate your air ducts need cleaning.
- Dust Accumulation
Have you ever had this experience: you do a deep clean of your house, only to find that the dust has accumulated only a day or two later? If so, dusty air ducts could be the culprit.It doesn’t matter how often you clean the rooms of your house. If your air ducts are full of dust, soon your rooms will be too. Even if your rooms themselves aren’t overly dusty, dust accumulation on the grills of your air vents can signal that it’s time for your air ducts to get a cleaning.
- Mold Growth
A step further from dust accumulation is mold growth. Sometimes you’ll see this on your air vents, just like with dust accumulation. Other times, you’ll see mold growth in seemingly random areas of your home.If the mold is being blown from the inside of your HVAC system into the rest of your home, the spores could land anywhere. If you’re getting repetitive mold growth but can’t find a source of moisture, it’s time to open your air ducts and see what’s happening in there.
- Pest Infestations
Many homes get pest infestations every year. From insects to rodents, these small creatures can wreak havoc on your home and your ductwork. While you may not see the critters themselves, any signs of droppings are an indicator of an infestation.First, you’ll need to clear up the infestation. It won’t do you any good to clean your air ducts if rats, mice, or bugs are still living in the pipes. Once they’re gone, though, you’ll need a thorough cleaning of your air ducts to make sure none of the germs from the rodents or insects enter the air of your home.
- Increased Energy Costs
If you’ve owned your home for any length of time, you’ll know that your energy costs should stay consistent year-to-year. If you’re noticing higher than normal rates on your monthly bill, it could be due to clogged air ducts. With summer temperatures being what they are in the Southeast, you’re more likely to notice this in the summer rather than the winter.Your energy costs increase when your air ducts are clogged because your entire HVAC system has to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature in your home. Your furnace or central air system has to turn on more frequently, which causes increased costs.
Getting your air ducts cleaned should return your energy bill to normal; otherwise, it may be time to check for leaks or damage in other parts of your HVAC system.
- You Just Finished Renovations or Remodeling
‘Tis the season for home upgrades and renovations. If you’ve done any work on your home this past year, congratulations on improving your living space! If you haven’t done a thorough sweep of your air ducts, though, the project isn’t quite completed yet.Any time you complete a major remodeling or renovation project, it’s a good idea to do a deep clean of your home. In addition to superficial cleaning, it is vital that you also get your entire HVAC system cleaned. This will ensure that no leftover dust or other microscopic particles hang in your air after the project is done.
- Increased Allergy Symptoms
Sometimes you won’t see any visible signs of dust or dirt accumulation in your air ducts, but you might feel the difference. As mentioned earlier in the article, you might think it’s seasonal allergies or a small head cold. However, if these symptoms last over a longer period than usual, dust in your air ducts could be the culprit.Especially if you notice your symptoms alleviate when you leave the house but return soon after you enter your home, you should get your air ducts cleaned out.
- You Can’t Remember the Last Time You Got Them Cleaned
Finally, it’s probably time to get your air ducts cleaned if you can’t remember the last time, you had this service, or if you’re thinking, “How do I even find air duct cleaning near me?”Although you don’t need to get your air ducts cleaned every year, routine cleaning every few years will ensure that your system is as efficient and clear as possible.
Find Air Duct Cleaning Near You
Now that you know what to look for, you’ll never have to wonder if your air ducts need cleaning again. Keep a watch out for these seven signs that your HVAC system needs cleaning, and you’ll be well on your way to breathing easily.
Are you in need of air duct cleaning services in Tampa, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, or somewhere else in the greater Tampa area? Contact us today for more information about our services and how we can help you out!
