When was the last time you thought about your ducts and whether or not they were clean? Most people do not ever give their ducts a second thought, believing them to ne clean enough. But over the years, your ducts start to collect not just dust, but debris, insects, and even pests like rodents and mold. Besides simply blowing all of those contaminants into your home every time you turn on your HVAC system, these elements can start to clog up your vents, making them less efficient. This means you’ll have to pay more to cool or heat your building.
Even with the best filters, your ducts are going to collect debris. There will be particles that escape through the filter or enter the system through other means. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that because you have a filter in your system your ducts do not need to be cleaned. Especially if you live in an area that has high pollution, is surrounded by construction, or is particularly windy or dusty, your ducts are going to collect particles that are going to clog them up or, at the very least, reduce the air quality in your home when you turn on your HVAC system.
The average duct system needs to be cleaned every two to five years. If your system is properly maintained and you exchange your filters twice a year, you can increase the time between professional cleanings. If your system has never been cleaned and has been active on your property for more than three years, it is likely due for a cleaning. Even just a single season can build up enough dust and debris in your system to make it less efficient than it was when it was first installed.
HVAC duct cleaning does not take as long as, for example, replacing your entire system, but you will still want to set aside time during a season when you are likely not going to need your system so that there is plenty of time for the duct cleaning company to fully clean your ducts before you need to use your HVAC. The best times to have your ducts cleaned is either in the spring or in the early fall, after you have stopped using your HVAC system to cool or heat your property and before you need to start using it again.
You have likely experienced that dusty or musty smell when turning on your HVAC system. It might clear up after a few minutes, but this is another good indication that it is time to have your ducts professionally cleaned with HVAC duct cleaning services. This smell means that there is dust and debris in your vents that is being blown into your rooms along with the cold or hot air from the HVAC system. Even if you are using your system on a daily basis, if the air that comes out of this system has a strange smell, now is a good time to have your ducts cleaned.