Your home HVAC system works hard to keep the flow of fresh air moving. When dust and grime build up in your ducts, it affects your system’s ability to keep fresh air moving in an effective, efficient manner. If you think of your HVAC ducting as a highway that runs through the home, dirty ducts are like slow-moving traffic that keeps you from where you need to be.

Sometimes, the effects of dirty air ducts can be subtle. Here’s what you should watch for and why it’s important to call in a duct cleaning specialist for regular service.

Poor Air Quality

If your air conditioner duct work is filled with dust, that dust will be circulated through the home several times a day, bringing with it bacteria, pet dander, mold and other allergens. This can cause serious health problems for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, or with weakened immune systems.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, experiencing random headaches or noticing your allergies flaring up for no reason, check your vent covers, ducting and furnace air filter for signs of dust buildup.

Mold or Mildew Growth

Mold and mildew are not just bad for allergies. They can also cause serious damage to the infrastructure of your home. Mold and mildew problems often begin in or around ducting. In addition, when your A/C and furnace aren’t working as effectively as they should be, fluctuations in temperature can make the problem worse.

Taking action at the first signs of mold growth is one of the best things you can do for your home.

Poor HVAC Performance

Dirty air ducts may not be immediately evident. Sometimes, their impact can be subtle, leading to poor performance of your furnace and A/C. When your HVAC appliances have to work harder to move air through the home, they require more fuel and wear out faster. If you notice your monthly utility bill rising without any other explanation, air duct cleaning may be necessary.

Correcting the problem today will save you money down the line and help extend the life of your furnace, A/C and other expensive appliances.

Rodent or Insect Problems

Dust and dirt aren’t the only things that can accumulate in your air ducting. Often, when ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, it creates an ideal spot for bugs, rodents and other vermin to build their nests. If you’re having persistent issues with rats, mice, bedbugs, cockroaches or other pests, cleaning your ducts can eliminate one of their main hiding spots, making it easier to fix the problem for good.

Given everything we’ve discussed above, the benefits of air duct cleaning should be obvious. Anytime you need a trusted partner for a tune up, upgrade or general air-conditioning service and repair, don’t hesitate to contact Smart Touch Energy.