4 Factors That Can Affect the Quality of Your Air Ducts

Because homeowners use their HVAC systems to receive adequate indoor air quality, they must maintain their units regularly. Part of handling your unit’s upkeep is never forgetting about maintaining the air ducts.

The air ducts help your home’s ventilation system transport air throughout each room of your house. Unfortunately, due to their placement, they can often be forgotten as a significant part of the maintenance. Over time, failing to include them in basic cleaning processes and maintenance procedures may lead to air duct repairs or replacement.

It can be pretty challenging to determine when you need to get your air ducts serviced, especially since you don’t always see them out in the open. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) encourage homeowners to have their air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years. Keep reading below to find out what could cause you to replace your air ducts and why clean air ducts can enhance your living space and system efficiency after doing so.

1. The Age of Your Air Ducts

You can expect your air ducts to last for over ten years so long as you know how to take care of them. Similar to your air conditioning unit or heating system, the air ducts can also depreciate due to changes in their seals, joints, and seams. 

As a result, your HVAC system’s slow deterioration could cause further problems down the line, such as having to face higher energy bills and experiencing discomfort in your house. Fortunately, you can prevent the degradation of your air ducts if you call a professional to initiate regular air duct cleaning.

2. The Dirt in Your Air Ducts

You will know your HVAC system is functioning correctly if you continue receiving adequate cool or warm air every day, especially during the cold or hot seasons when you need it the most. The air coming out of your units should always be clean air and works to regulate indoor air pollution in all the rooms in your house.

However, if you fail to initiate the proper HVAC cleaning services that include the air duct system, you end up putting you and your family’s health at risk because of the poor air quality you’re receiving. Due to the filth buildup and damage in your heating or cooling system, you will need a replacement if you want to have quality air ducts.

There are other dirt and contaminants, such as pet dander, mites, and dryer lint, that can be caught in your air duct system. It’s always recommended to have your dryer vent cleaning the same time you have your air duct cleaning.

3. The Visible Damage on Your Air Ducts

Your heater or air conditioner unit and its air ducts work to provide you with quality indoor air at all times. But when they experience wear and tear through years of use and develop damage, such as dents or holes, it will severely affect your HVAC system’s performance.

At first sight of problems in your ductwork installation, you should seek an expert’s help right away to prevent prolonging the situation and avoid making the matter worse. An HVAC technician will initiate a check-up of your heating or cooling system and let you know if you will benefit from an HVAC duct repair or a replacement instead.

4. The Presence of Mold in Your Air Ducts

Discovering mold in your HVAC system and your air ducts can result in huge trouble because it will affect the cleanliness of your home and your health in the long run. Once mold makes its way into the air ducts, each time you operate your heating or cooling system, there will be mold growth, and it will scatter all over your home and release an unpleasant stench.

You are bound to experience allergens and health problems, such as respiratory issues with dirty air ducts, unless you immediately opt for air duct cleaning services. However, in some cases, if thoroughly sanitizing your ventilation system still doesn’t solve your problem, it’s best to replace your air ducts to ensure the presence of mold is completely gone, and you can begin to experience the health benefits and peace of mind with a home cleaned.

Conclusion

You will know your HVAC system cannot operate at its best when its air ducts are going through instances that prevent it from running optimally. If your ductworks are old, excessively dirty, shows noticeable damage, and has mold infestations, then you should call a professional duct cleaning company or HVAC company for help. Professional technicians will remedy the situation by cleaning, repairing, or suggesting a replacement.

Depending on what is necessary to clean your home and how your ventilation system is laid out, there are several ways a duct cleaning company or HVAC company can clean your home. Whether it’s replacing an air filter, providing a deep clean to ensure a quality air duct, or it’s installing a new airflow system, such as a UV light. Installing a UV light in your air ducts can help eliminate contaminants within your ducts that will create healthier air quality, and increase the longevity of your ducts.

Are you looking for a duct cleaning service provider in Alabama for your home’s HVAC installation? Xcalibur Services offers HVAC repair and replacement services, including electrician work. Get in touch with us today to schedule a service call!

Published: March 17th, 2023