Your furnace and HVAC system comprises components such as ducts, heat exchangers, blowers, condensers, and more. All these components work together to provide the right temperature in your home or office, but they can also make your place feel stuffy and unhealthy if they’re not well maintained. If you see any of the signs below when looking at your furnace or heating system, it may be time to clean it out or replace certain parts with new ones. Here are some signs that your furnace needs cleaning and repair work done on it
Telltale Signs Your Furnace Ducts Need Cleaning
1. Clogged ducts and Vents
So when you notice that your AC unit isn’t cooling or heating your home as effectively as it once did, give it a close inspection and make sure there aren’t any signs of dust, dirt, leaves, twigs, and other debris clogging up your air ducts. This may be an indication that your ducts need to be cleaned. If the problem is severe enough, this could cause the HVAC system to stop working altogether.
2. Clogged Air Filters
If you notice reduced airflow from your vents, one sign that you might need to clean your air filters is the presence of mildew and mold on them. These substances can also emit unpleasant odors into the room, which will worsen in time. Cleaning your filters regularly ensures that these spores won’t build up and affect the indoor air quality.
Before proceeding, it may be best to contact us. Let us know if you have any questions.
3. Ducts Producing Unpleasant Odor
When we use our furnaces all winter long without opening windows for fresh air, it becomes difficult for the inside of our homes to stay fresh. What’s more, the furnace has to work harder than usual to keep us warm. The byproduct of this is often an odor coming from your vents. Be on the lookout for gases like sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. If you detect any of these smells near your venting system, don’t hesitate to contact a professional right away.
4. Poor or Unstable Airflow in Your House
If you aren’t getting enough air from your vents and notice increased draftiness in your home, it may be a sign that you need to clean your ducts. Air circulation keeps us comfortable inside our homes, so be sure to inspect your ducts and get them professionally cleaned if necessary.
5. Presence of mildew and Mold outside or inside the HVAC system
Mold and mildew are persistent signs that you might need to have your ducts cleaned. Mold grows when there is excessive moisture in your home, especially in humid areas like bathrooms or basements. Not only does it cause health problems for you and your family, but it also breaks down walls and furniture, causing damage to clothes. It also makes it easier for pests like rodents, insects, and other vermin to find their way into your house via the air ducts.
6. High energy bills
It could be because of clogged ducts if you’re spending a lot more on your energy bills than you usually are. Be on the lookout for dirty vents and exhaust fans in your home. These areas are usually where dust and dirt build-up, reducing airflow into and out of your home and increasing your energy bill. It is recommended to have your ducts inspected annually to ensure they are free of buildup and can operate efficiently.
7. Yellow Furnace Flames
The color of your flames should always be blue. If they begin to turn a yellow or orange color, it’s a sign that there may be too much carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that causes flu-like symptoms and can even lead to death. It doesn’t matter how old your system is; it only takes one instance of poorly maintained equipment to allow carbon monoxide into your home.
8. Noisy operation
If your system makes strange noises, it could be a sign that you must have your ducts cleaned. Your vents should be free of debris and in good working order to allow air to flow smoothly into and out of your home. It’s essential for your safety and energy efficiency to ensure your system is operating smoothly. If not, get it checked out before it leads to bigger problems down the road.
9. Furnace Turns On & Off
If your system keeps turning on and off, it’s usually a sign of something wrong with your thermostat. However, if your furnace doesn’t turn on, it could be a problem with your ducts. Your HVAC system should operate in a steady manner, so check these components first before moving on to others like your thermostat.
10. Furnace Leaking Water
If you notice water dripping in your basement or near your HVAC system, there is likely a leak somewhere. This could be caused by several different issues, but most often, it’s because of mold and mildew growing in your ducts. If there is water in your basement or on your walls, get to a professional immediately because more damage may be done to your home that isn’t visible.
Who do you call after witnessing your furnace duct needs cleaning?
If you think your furnace might need to be cleaned, the best thing to do is call a professional. They will be able to assess the situation and let you know if your furnace needs to be cleaned. However, you need to reach out to the right company if you need help. Don’t just hire any person because they offer services at low prices or seem nice. You want someone who knows what they’re doing and has experience in this field; this way, they can properly take care of your issue so that it doesn’t happen again. The worst thing you can do is wait until something serious happens with your furnace before you realize it needs cleaning.
Final word
In a nutshell, ensuring your furnace is in a healthy condition is essential. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact us today. They’ll inspect your system, provide an honest evaluation, and quote for your service.