Air duct is an integral part of every house. It is a system responsible for distributing heated and cooled air into the house, so if you are more concerned about the quality of air distributed inside your home, you have to take the air duct cleaning seriously. This is because the air duct collects and disperses air into the house. It, therefore, determines how your heat and cooling system works.
It is possible to get confused about why and how often you need to clean your air duct. This is mainly because we do not always see the air duct; we only know that the ducts are strategically located in the house and help with air distribution. However, we do not know that these ducts can also collect dust and dirt, and when these are accumulated for a long time, they become debris that may be hard to remove.
Cleaning your air duct yourself maybe a little overwhelming; hence, it is recommended that you contact HVAC companies to help provide thorough cleaning for the air ducts. This way, you can protect your family from any health issues that may arise from breathing in polluted air. Direct Air Miami is one of the HVAC experts providing impeccable air duct cleaning service. You can also learn to clean your air ducts; hence, take the day off and give your air ducts a good cleaning.
How often should you clean an air duct?
Following the National Air Duct Cleaners Association [NADCA] guideline, your air duct should be cleaned at least once in 3 years. However, if you live in an environment free from dust, cleaning your air ducts once in 5 years is still appropriate.
Also, cleaning your air ducts more often will not harm you; it will only help keep the house healthy and prevent the growth of mold and debris in your air ducts. This will put your home in a good position and ensure that you breathe in allergens-free air.
Here are some of the things that imply that the air duct needs to be cleaned
Debris and dust in the duct
The first sign that you need to get the duct cleaned is visibly seeing dust in the duct. However, you will need to open the duct vent to know this. This is where periodically cleaning or checking your air ducts can be very helpful. Do not leave the duct for too long. Take some time out to check it or get professional help for periodic maintenance.
The house is becoming dustier
If you live in a relatively dusty area, the house may sometimes get dusty. However, this does not mean that the house must become visibly dusty and dirty. So if you are cleaning regularly but still notice that the house is becoming unnecessarily dusty, then it is time to check your air duct.
The air duct is meant to distribute air to your HVAC system, which then disperses the air into the house. However, where this system gets too dirty itself, it begins to pass in the dust with the air, and this is distributed everywhere through your AC. To prevent this, cleaning your ducts as often as required is recommended.
The air filter is getting dirty or clogged faster than expected
As expected, you must change your air filter at least twice a year. However, if you notice that the air filter of your Air Conditioning unit is getting dirty faster than expected, it may be the right time to check on the air duct. By cleaning the duct, you can save the expense of buying an air filter more often than usual.
The AC vent is dusty
Another way of knowing that your air duct needs cleaning is by looking at the AC vent. If the vent is becoming too dirty, it may signify that the air duct is already too dusty. The air vent is connected to the air filter, and it is the outlet through which air is passed into your house.
If this part is dirty, it can create more problems than expected, including health issues. For instance, if the air you inhale daily contains debris and allergens, you expose yourself to many health problems like sore throat and other respiratory issues.
Bugs everywhere
It’s possible that the duct is dirty if you notice strange insects about your house. While seasonal changes can lead bugs to fly around, having them in large numbers in your home is strange. A dusty duct can attract bugs, and you start to see them hanging near the vent. If this continues for days, I recommend that you take a look at the duct to see if it needs cleaning.
Strange smell around the house
We all know when the smell in the house is just not right. For instance, you can easily perceive it when the house smells damp. The case is similar; when the duct is dusty, it starts to grow, and the air distributed into the house comes with that moldy smell that is not just bad for your nose but also impacts your health negatively. So if you start to smell something strange or musty in the house when you turn on your AC or heater, it may be time to check your duct.
Conclusion
If you don’t mind breathing filthy air even at home, you’ll realize that cleaning your air ducts properly is an important element of home maintenance. While cleaning your air duct necessitates a specific technique, you can examine its condition by looking for any of the signs listed above. It’s critical that you pay attention to any changes in your home and clean your air ducts as soon as possible. The difference may be something minimal, like the house getting unnecessarily dusty, or something more serious like experiencing allergic reactions. Whatever the case, it is advisable that you take cognizance of this development to know when your duct needs to be cleaned.
