Air Duct Maintenance Tips
Air duct maintenance is crucial for sustaining your cooling and heating units. Air ducts are hollow tubes that circulate cooled or heated air throughout your house. Air passes through the ducts, and helps form your home’s ventilation system. Since air ducts are concealed within walls, floors and ceilings, regular maintenance can be easily forgotten. Neglected air ducts can lead to bigger problems down the line like leaks, clogs, build-up of mold and dust, and energy waste.
Steps To Maintaining Clean Air Ducts
Home owners can take simple steps to complete their own basic duct work maintenance.
1. Make sure all vents are never blocked by furniture or curtains. Regularly clean vents to prevent dust and debris from collecting. A more challenging project some homeowners choose to take on is duct sealing, which can improve performance and prolong the life cycle of your unit.
2. Use a sealant. Duct sealing covers air leaks with the use of a mastic sealant or metal tape. You can also check to make sure all connections at vents are closed, and there is no disconnected duct work.
These are the most common solutions for maintaining duct work on your own. The unfortunate aspect of attempting duct cleaning as a DIY project is the lack of tools and training. It is entirely possible to dislodge important connections or accidentally create tears within the ducts. As the maintenance grows more complex, or more complicated issues arise, a licensed professional is required.
Unmaintained ducts can lead to several potential issues involving insufficient air flow, higher monthly energy bills, health problems, rodent and insect infestations, and leaking duct work.
Some telltale signs your air ducts require maintenance include:
- Uneven temperature.
- Rooms that are difficult to heat and cool.
- Excessive dust.
- Rattling noises from within the ducts.
- A sharp increase in your monthly energy bill.
As dust and mold accumulate, your unit has to work harder, making it less efficient and more expensive to operate. Many allergy and asthma sufferers are affected by the accumulating mold, dust, and bacteria collecting in the ducts, and show symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and congestion. Rooms can start to feel stuffy, as your home falls victim to poor ventilation. Overtime, neglected ducts are more susceptible to these potential issues. Having a licensed professional maintain your unit prevents issues from lurking and building overtime, leading to more serious problems down the road.
When To Call In An Air Duct Professional
It is easy to remove superficial dust from your ducts, but if you notice a long trail tunneling through your ducts, it is time to call a professional. Any signs of visible mold also call for professional handling, as mold is a serious allergen that can lead to sickness. There are many benefits to getting your air ducts cleaned professionally, the most important benefit being your family’s health and comfort. The expertise of a licensed technician ensures the ducts will be cleaned thoroughly and safely.
Additionally, professional work is backed by a warranty, which gives you peace of mind and guarantees their work for a stretch of time. A licensed technician will also have the proper tools to get the job done, and the know-how to complete it correctly. When you call a professional, the technician can diagnose any specific problems and not just perform a cover-up job. Maintained ducts are essential for energy efficiency and preventive care of your unit. Schedule your appointment today for a complete duct inspection and cleaning.