You’re walking around your home and notice a noticeable amount of dust gathered on the vent cover. You may wipe the dust away, but the dust will return if the ductwork that transports cool or warm air is dirty. This is just one of a few symptoms your home needs duct cleaning.
Besides HVAC installations and servicing, our technicians have years of experience cleaning air ducts. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’ve inspected the insides of hundreds of ducts and seen how dirty they can get. That’s why we believe in sharing tips on how homeowners can catch signs it’s time for duct cleaning.
Here are five signs your home’s HVAC system needs duct cleaning.
- Bacterial growth in ducts
- Vermin infestation in ducts
- Ducts are clogged
- Drop in indoor air quality
- Ducts haven’t been cleaned in a long time
After reading this article, you’ll gain insider knowledge on the signs your home needs duct cleaning. This can help confirm whether you should schedule a cleaning service for your ducts or prepare you for any future signs of duct cleaning.
How Do I Know if My Ductwork Needs to be Cleaned?
Homeowners may suspect that their air ducts need to be cleaned, but a certified (HVAC) technician has the resources to confirm if the home’s ductwork requires cleaning. The technician can access the hard-to-reach areas of a house with ducts and inspect its conditions.
A technician's red flashlight casts a bright light into the duct, revealing the layers of dust.
Bacterial Growth in Ducts
Bacterial growth may appear in a duct system, spreading throughout a home and posing health risks. Homeowners may spot it near vent covers; otherwise, it remains unseen without an air duct camera inspection.
Heating and cooling units produce condensation that can encourage bacterial growth inside a duct system. It can give off a musty smell that homeowners may be able to detect.
Even if it’s undetected by homeowners, reputable HVAC technicians can locate the presence of bacteria in air ducts during an annual HVAC tune-up. A ductwork inspection also utilizes the camera to show homeowners the growth of bacteria in their ducts.
For example, if a home with a central cooling system has it in the ductwork, a technician can use a duct brushing tool to clean the ducts. The technician can then operate a specialized vacuum to kill bacterial spores. Once the contained air ducts are cleaned, the technician can apply preventative measures such as sanitizing solutions throughout the ductwork.
Bacteria growth is a pesky issue requiring duct cleaning and, in some cases, ductwork replacement. Air ducts can also be susceptible to vermin.
Ducts Infested by Vermin
Rats, insects, and other rodents can infest a home’s ductwork. Rodents, in particular, can leave behind droppings and urinate inside air ducts, leaving behind an unpleasant smell. This odor and bacteria can quickly spread throughout a duct system and contaminate indoor air quality.
Besides any unusual smells, homeowners can suspect they have vermin in their ducts if they hear them scattering within the walls. Duct cleaning can help remove bacteria and droppings, but if rodents damage the ductwork, a technician must replace that duct. Any remaining part of the ductwork infested by vermin but not damaged can be cleaned and sanitized.
A technician sanitizes the ductwork after removing dust or any other debris.
Rodents may chew through and leave ducts dirty, but dust can accumulate and create clogs.
Clogged Ducts
Dust and debris can gather and pile up within ducts. Even if a homeowner regularly cleans their home, dust can remain inside ducts and eventually cause a clog. If you recently had renovation done on your home, some of the dirt and debris can get sucked in by vents.
Quality air filters can help capture some of this dust. Forgetting to replace your HVAC system’s air filters can increase the chance of dust clogging up your duct system.
Homeowners can schedule a duct cleaning to fix any duct clogs within the ductwork. After the dust and debris are removed, a technician can recommend new air filters that can help catch contaminants and prevent future clogs.
Dirty ductwork can also have harmful effects on indoor air quality.
Drop in Air Quality and Airflow
A drop in air quality and airflow is another sign of dirty air ducts needing cleaning. Poor air quality can contribute to an increase in allergies and respiratory concerns. Whether it’s dust or bacterial growth, uncleaned air ducts can negatively impact the air people breathe inside homes.
Pathogens and contaminants can roam inside air ducts but can be handled with a thorough duct cleaning. Aside from worsening air quality, dirty air ducts may impair a central cooling or heating system’s airflow.
After the air ducts are cleaned, homeowners can choose specific air filters to help keep their HVAC units clean and protect indoor air quality. A duct cleaning with air filter replacement can be boosted with an air scrubber to provide cleaner ducts with efficient airflow and excellent air quality.
Even if a homeowner doesn’t detect changes in air quality, they may need duct cleaning if it’s been a long time without performing this service.
Ducts Not Cleaned in Years
A general rule of thumb is that air ducts should be cleaned every three to five years. If a homeowner can’t remember the last time their air ducts were cleaned, it may be a good idea to schedule a duct cleaning soon.
Some factors can contribute to how often a home should have duct cleaning.
- Pets that shed
- Spread of pet hair and dander
- Home renovations
If a home has annual HVAC maintenance performed by a technician, they can request to inspect the air ducts to determine if a cleaning is required.
Should I Have My Ducts Cleaned?
Yes, you should clean your air ducts because it can benefit your ductwork or showcase underlying issues, such as damage that needs further repairs. Dirty ducts can cause various symptoms but can be addressed with a thorough cleaning.
For over 15 years, our technicians have cleaned thousands of ducts in homes across Los Angeles and the surrounding counties. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’ve seen how ill-maintained ductwork may lead to future trouble for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. On the other hand, we’ve also witnessed the beneficial impact of a clean duct system in a home.
If you want a ductwork cleaning inspection, contact us using one of the buttons below. You can also book an appointment with a certified HVAC technician through our HVAC online scheduler.
Duct cleaning can help maintain your central air system’s heating or cooling efficiency, but it’s just one of the many ways to sustain its efficiency.