All About Spring (Air Duct) Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning - Everything You Need To Know

Spring cleaning is all about tackling those chores that tend to get neglected or put off for months - or even years - on end. Whether it’s something fairly small like cleaning out the no-man’s-land behind the laundry machines, or a bigger task like decluttering and organizing the garage, there’s a special satisfaction in checking each item off the list.

But one item that doesn’t always make the list is air duct cleaning. A home’s HVAC air ducts can become contaminated over time with dirt, dust, mold, and even vermin. This can lead to unpleasant odors, poor air quality, and reduced AC efficiency, so it’s not something homeowners will want to skip. Learn to tell when duct cleaning is needed, why it’s so important, and how to keep ducts clean in the meantime!

Why Get the Air Ducts Cleaned?

There are several reasons why duct cleaning is a good idea. Most importantly, it can help improve indoor air quality by reducing the number of airborne pollutants and allergens in the home. If the ducts contain a lot of dust and debris, they will get kicked up and sent into the home whenever the AC is running. Mold growth is an even bigger concern, especially in humid regions like Alabama). Mold spores can cause respiratory irritation or illness, even in those without allergies, so getting rid of mold growth is a must for healthy, clean indoor air.

Along these lines, a thorough duct cleaning will also eliminate unpleasant odors caused by mold, mildew, or vermin infestations in the ducts. Duct cleaning can also help improve the AC unit’s efficiency and performance by getting rid of debris that may impede airflow or interfere with the unit’s internal components.

Signs a Home’s Air Ducts Need To Be Cleaned

The effects of dirty air ducts mentioned above can be unpleasant and even harmful, but they also alert homeowners of the problem. For instance, if the air conditioner seems to be struggling, airflow is weak, or the electric bills are unusually high, it could result from too much debris in the ducts.

Other possible indicators of dirty air ducts include musty odors, debris behind air registers or invisible portions of ducts, and a perpetual layer of dust on surfaces that get cleaned regularly. Physical symptoms that often stem from poor air quality (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, eye irritation, etc.) could also point to contaminated air ducts. Still, it’s best to consult with a doctor to rule out other possible causes of these health effects.

Tips for Keeping Air Ducts Clean

After a professional duct cleaning service, the trick is to keep the ducts as clean as possible. After all, cleaner ducts mean cleaner air! The best way to do this is to stay on top of AC maintenance. That means replacing the air filters every 3 months (give or take, depending on the home’s overall level of dust and pet dander), and having the unit cleaned and serviced by a professional once or twice a year.

Keeping the home clean will reduce the amount of dust and debris that one can pull into the ducts in the first place. Maintaining acceptable indoor humidity levels (generally between 30 and 50%) will help discourage mold growth in the ductwork. It’s also good to have the air ducts inspected by a professional as part of the routine annual or bi-annual maintenance visits.

About Chad’s AC Direct

Chad’s AC Direct has been serving the Montgomery community with pride for years. They offer financing, up-front pricing, personalized solutions, unbeatable warranties, and a rewarding membership program. Their friendly licensed & background-checked technicians are available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to call Chad’s AC Direct for air duct cleaning in Montgomery, AL!

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