Most homeowners understand that their HVAC system’s air ducts need maintenance to function properly. What they may not know is exactly how often those ducts need to be cleaned out.
Far too many people forget to keep on top of this critical chore, and their HVAC systems underperform as a result. Cleaning your ducts on a set schedule is a good idea, but there are also some indicators that will tell you if they need more immediate attention.
How Often Should I Clean My Air Ducts?
Most professionals (including our team) recommend that you clean your air ducts at least once every 2 to 3 years. You may have to clean yours slightly more often if you have allergies or own pets who shed their fur.
How Can I Tell When a Cleaning is Due?
There are several signs that will tell you when your ducts are overdue to be cleaned. Watch out for:
- Poor Air Flow
When you notice that the air in your home isn’t circulating as well as it used to, something is impeding the air flow in your air ducts. Cleaning them out will usually solve the problem. - Strange Smells From Your Ducts
Pay special attention to any burning smells: this may mean that your ducts need immediate attention to prevent them from becoming a fire hazard. Debris that is caught in them may be getting singed from the heat of the HVAC system. - Extra Dust Around Your Home
Air ducts that are functioning properly will create a constant flow of air throughout your home. If this isn’t happening, you will start to see a lot more dust settling on surfaces throughout your home. Pay particular attention to low-traffic areas where dust wouldn’t be sturred up naturally; this is where you’re most likely to see the difference. - Higher Energy Bills
Your energy bills should remain fairly consistent from year to year. If you find yourself paying significantly more for your home’s energy than you did last year, your HVAC system may be using more power to compensate for the reduced circulation in your dirty air ducts.
When In Doubt, Consult Your HVAC Experts
If you just can’t seem to get your air ducts clean, it might be time for a professional inspection or even a whole new HVAC system. In either case, Syles Mechanical is here to help. Contact us today at 519-979-2090 to have us take a look at your air ducts and your overall HVAC setup. If anything is wrong with either of them, you can trust us to find and fix the problem.