Duct cleaning involves the cleaning of various components in a forced-air HVAC system, including supply and return air ducts. Unfortunately, since most HVAC ductwork sits out of sight, many homeowners in Richmond, Virginia, pay little attention to it until it’s too late. You don’t have to be an experienced HVAC professional to know when it’s time to schedule air duct cleaning, though. Look for these three signs that your HVAC ductwork requires a thorough cleaning:
Ducts Are Clogged With Debris
The best way to prevent excessive amounts of dust and debris from clogging your air ducts is to change your HVAC system’s filter regularly. An HVAC filter’s function is to prevent dust and other debris from collecting in the ductwork and re-circulating in your home. You should change your HVAC filter at least once every 90 days.
Take a look at the supply vents around your home. If they’re covered in a thick layer of dust, you need air duct cleaning.
Ducts Have Visible Biological Growth
Detecting biological growth in your HVAC ductwork isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s critical to schedule a ductwork inspection every few years. If the HVAC professional inspecting your air ducts finds biological growth, it’s vital to not only get your ducts cleaned but also correct what’s causing the growth in the first place. Otherwise, it’ll reappear.
Here are some severe symptoms you might experience if there’s biological growth in your ductwork:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Muscle cramping and joint aches
- Numbness and tingling
- Sinus problems and coughing
- Digestive issues
Ducts Are Infested with Pests
Your HVAC system’s ductwork will make popping sounds from time to time as air moves through. But if you hear unusual sounds that increase your suspicion of a pest infestation, don’t wait to get your air ducts inspected. If you find that your ducts are infested with pests, you’ll need to correct the root cause of the infestation and clean them.
Don’t let dirty and damaged ductwork impact your family’s health and cause your energy bills to spike. Contact Southern Goodman Mechanical today to schedule an air duct cleaning or to learn more about how to maintain your HVAC system.