The ducts that distribute air in your home are hidden behind your ceilings and walls, so how can you tell when they need to be cleaned? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), duct cleaning is necessary when certain conditions exist. If you’re experiencing any of the following conditions, have an HVAC contractor examine the ducts to judge whether you’d benefit from professional cleaning.
Excessive Dust and Debris in the Ducts
Are you frequently cleaning debris from the supply grilles? Is someone in the home suffering from worsening asthma, allergy attacks or an unexplained illness? If so, remove the registers and use a flashlight to look down the ducts. If you can see heavy deposits of debris, ducting cleaning may be necessary.
Musty Odors and Mold Growth
If you’re getting musty odors and see brownish-black patches on the registers, inside the ductwork or on other HVAC components, have your system tested for mold. Talk to your HVAC pro about controlling high humidity in the ducts, since this is a key factor in mold growth. Along with cleaning the ductwork to get rid of mold, you need to solve the underlying causes as well.
Signs of Vermin Infestation
When rodents or insects invade ducts, droppings, body parts and bacterial or viral contaminants can enter your home’s air supply. If you hear scuttling sounds from the ducts or see any evidence that vermin have moved in, contact an exterminator to get rid of the pests. Once they’re gone, have the ducts professionally cleaned to restore good air quality.
The EPA also advises hiring a duct cleaning specialist who follows the right procedures to avoid contaminating your air supply or damaging HVAC system components. For peace of mind, look for a contractor who adheres to National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) standards.
Learn more about duct cleaning from Griffith Energy Services, or give us a call at (888) 474-3391 to schedule an appointment!
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