Maintaining clean air ducts is a requirement for the health and safety of your family. Dust, pollen, and other allergens can circulate through the air ducts and cause respiratory problems. In addition, dirty air ducts can contribute to the development of mould and mildew, which are safety hazards. It can be difficult to know what to do or how to keep your ducts clean if you've never been responsible for an HVAC system before, but there are plenty of resources that can teach you everything you need to know. Keep reading to find out what to do if you notice signs of a dirty air duct system.
One of the first things you should ask yourself if you notice signs that your ducts could be dirty is: how much is air duct cleaning? Fortunately, having your ducts cleaned professionally isn't an exorbitant expense, you can contact your local HVAC professional to find out their exact rates. Believe it or not, one of the most important things you can do to keep your home clean and healthy is to have your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis. When your air ducts are clean, they can help prevent dust, pollen, and other allergens from circulating throughout your home. HVAC maintenance goes beyond duct cleaning, and you'll need to be proactive if you want to keep your air clean.
Your HVAC system's air filter could be an issue, even if your ducts aren't dirty. Your HVAC system’s filter is a central part of its operation. It is responsible for trapping dirt, dust, and other particles from entering your system and causing damage. Over time, these particles can build up and cause your system to work harder than necessary, leading to reduced efficiency and higher energy bills. In addition, a dirty filter can also cause your system to break down prematurely. Experts recommend changing the filter at least once every 90 days, though many homeowners change theirs on a monthly basis to ensure peak performance.
Keep in mind that the lifespan of the average HVAC system is between 10 and 15 years. However, this lifespan can be shortened if the system is not well maintained. Dust, dirt, and other debris can build up in the system and cause it to wear down prematurely. HVAC systems should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year in order to ensure optimal performance. If you're experiencing frequent problems with a system that is over a decade old, it may need to be replaced.
First, you might be wondering what indoor air quality is and why you should care. The truth is that indoor air pollution is a major safety risk and has been linked to several serious health problems. Some of the main dangers posed by indoor air pollution include respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution, and pregnant women and those with asthma or other respiratory conditions are also at risk. Your HVAC system is typically your first line of defence against poor indoor air quality, which is a part of why maintaining yours is so essential.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality, even beyond keeping your HVAC system in good working order. Proper indoor hygiene can make a big difference, as dust and debris can often be hidden in piles of clutter. Experts also recommend vacuuming at least once a week with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. Air purifiers can be particularly effective at eliminating the presence of allergens and other contaminants, especially when they're placed in high traffic rooms like your kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
As you can see, there are a variety of reasons why HVAC maintenance should be a priority for every homeowner. If you're experiencing unexpectedly high utility bills, a drop in air quality, or an uncomfortable indoor environment, it may be the result of dirty air ducts. The best thing to do is to schedule a duct cleaning, but there are other possible causes of HVAC system malfunctions. Your air filter needs to be changed on a regular basis, as clogs frequently cause breakdowns, and the system itself should be inspected on an annual basis. When you take care of your HVAC system, it will take care of you.
What should you do if you notice signs of a dirty air duct system?
One of the first things you should ask yourself if you notice signs that your ducts could be dirty is: how much is air duct cleaning? Fortunately, having your ducts cleaned professionally isn't an exorbitant expense, you can contact your local HVAC professional to find out their exact rates. Believe it or not, one of the most important things you can do to keep your home clean and healthy is to have your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis. When your air ducts are clean, they can help prevent dust, pollen, and other allergens from circulating throughout your home. HVAC maintenance goes beyond duct cleaning, and you'll need to be proactive if you want to keep your air clean.
Your HVAC system's air filter could be an issue, even if your ducts aren't dirty. Your HVAC system’s filter is a central part of its operation. It is responsible for trapping dirt, dust, and other particles from entering your system and causing damage. Over time, these particles can build up and cause your system to work harder than necessary, leading to reduced efficiency and higher energy bills. In addition, a dirty filter can also cause your system to break down prematurely. Experts recommend changing the filter at least once every 90 days, though many homeowners change theirs on a monthly basis to ensure peak performance.
Keep in mind that the lifespan of the average HVAC system is between 10 and 15 years. However, this lifespan can be shortened if the system is not well maintained. Dust, dirt, and other debris can build up in the system and cause it to wear down prematurely. HVAC systems should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year in order to ensure optimal performance. If you're experiencing frequent problems with a system that is over a decade old, it may need to be replaced.
How else can you improve indoor air quality?
First, you might be wondering what indoor air quality is and why you should care. The truth is that indoor air pollution is a major safety risk and has been linked to several serious health problems. Some of the main dangers posed by indoor air pollution include respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution, and pregnant women and those with asthma or other respiratory conditions are also at risk. Your HVAC system is typically your first line of defence against poor indoor air quality, which is a part of why maintaining yours is so essential.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality, even beyond keeping your HVAC system in good working order. Proper indoor hygiene can make a big difference, as dust and debris can often be hidden in piles of clutter. Experts also recommend vacuuming at least once a week with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. Air purifiers can be particularly effective at eliminating the presence of allergens and other contaminants, especially when they're placed in high traffic rooms like your kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
As you can see, there are a variety of reasons why HVAC maintenance should be a priority for every homeowner. If you're experiencing unexpectedly high utility bills, a drop in air quality, or an uncomfortable indoor environment, it may be the result of dirty air ducts. The best thing to do is to schedule a duct cleaning, but there are other possible causes of HVAC system malfunctions. Your air filter needs to be changed on a regular basis, as clogs frequently cause breakdowns, and the system itself should be inspected on an annual basis. When you take care of your HVAC system, it will take care of you.
