Getting your air ducts cleaned regularly in Red Deer, AB can improve the comfort of your home and the health of those who live in it and help reduce energy costs. To keep your system running well, schedule your duct cleaning every three to five years or every two to three years if you have pets or allergies. You’ll want to look for the following signs that it’s time to clean your air ducts.
Signs you need to clean your air duct
1. Poor indoor air
Indoor air quality comprises a complex mix of gases, particles, and chemicals that can affect comfort and health. Dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can all potentially harm indoor air quality. If these pollutants are trapped in your HVAC system over time and released into your home’s living spaces, they can cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects in anyone who breathes them.
2. Unusual increase in Energy Bills
Dirty air ducts can also lead to increased energy costs. When dust, dirt, and other particles are trapped in your HVAC system, they slow airflow and cause heat transfer resistance. As a result, you’ll need to use more energy to heat or cool your home. Over time, these higher utility bills could cost hundreds of dollars annually.
3. Excess Dust and Debris
If you notice dust collecting on ceiling fans, window blinds, and tabletops, chances are good that it’s being released from dirty air ducts. That’s because dirt particles become airborne every time you turn on your HVAC system and accumulate in other parts of your home. Over time, it can cause health problems for anyone who lives there.
4. Allergy Symptoms
If you or any members of your family suffer from allergies, likely, indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores are aggravating them. As long as these irritants are trapped in your HVAC system, they’ll continue to affect you. If you notice that allergies have gotten worse over time, scheduling an annual cleaning may help reduce symptoms and clear nasal passages more easily.
5. Visible Mold Growth
A dirty HVAC system can also lead to mold growth in otherwise healthy homes. The problem starts when water builds up in one or more parts of your HVAC system and becomes trapped there, usually because of a broken drain line or faulty insulation. Over time, mold spores will grow on these wet surfaces and eventually begin to release into other areas of your home. This can worsen allergies and cause respiratory problems like asthma, especially if you already suffer from these ailments.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Air Ducts Often Enough
If you don’t clean your air ducts, the following can happen:
1. More work will be accorded to the furnace
Your furnace will have to work harder to heat and cool your home, which can lead to a shorter lifespan for your furnace.
2. Rise in energy bills
You may also start to see an increase in your energy bills and utility costs due to the extra workload of the furnace and other appliances being used more often than needed.
3. Dust accumulation on surfaces in your home
When you don’t regularly clean your air ducts, dust particles accumulate on surfaces in your homes, such as couches, carpets, and tables, which are difficult to remove.
4. Allergies and asthma symptoms will worsen
The additional dust particles in your home from not cleaning your air ducts lead to worsened allergies and asthma symptoms.
5. Reduced indoor air quality (IAQ)
Poor indoor air quality has been shown to cause respiratory problems like sore throats, headaches, runny noses, congestion, and dry eyes. So not cleaning your air ducts can lead to a number of these negative consequences.
Who Should Help You Clean Your Air Ducts
Your air ducts are essential to your home’s heating and cooling system. They are responsible for circulating the air throughout your home, and if they are not properly maintained, they can become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other harmful bacteria. That’s why it’s vital to have them cleaned regularly by a professional.
So who are these professionals? Cleaning service providers, from large companies to smaller one-person operations, come in all shapes and sizes. You must do some research before hiring someone to know what type of experience you will get with them. You want to find out how long they’ve been in business, where their office is located, how many people work there, and how much their services cost. Additionally, find out whether or not they offer warranties or guarantees on their work. These details will help you make a more informed decision about which company best suits you and your family’s needs.
The next step is finding a provider near you. Once you have chosen a few contractors, contact them and ask questions like: How soon could they come to clean my ducts? What days/times would they prefer to clean my ducts? Do I need to remove any furniture or cover anything up when the cleaner arrives? Is there anything I should do after the cleaning?
Do they use chemicals to clean my ducts? Are pets allowed on-site during the cleaning process? Will they take pictures or videos while they’re working? Will they provide me with an estimate before starting the job? Will the air ducts remain uncovered during the cleaning process? How long does it take to complete a job? These questions will give you a better idea of which contractor might be right for you.
Remember, it’s always best to schedule an appointment for your air ducts.
Conclusion
The primary purpose of cleaning your ducts is to improve the air quality in your home and extend your furnace’s life. If you have never had your ducts cleaned, or it has been more than five years, it is probably time to book an appointment with the right company for the job. Contact us today! You’ll enjoy a warranty on all parts and labor and prompt 24/7 emergency service. Give us a call today!