How Often Should You Clean Out Your Air Ducts?
The need for duct cleaning is either immediate or looming. In either case, it is important to monitor your surroundings and your health. Vents can become clogged with mold and dust. Duct cleaning may be necessary if you notice any changes in your health. Read on to find out how often you should clean your ducts. Keep these tips in your mind:
Why you should clean your ducts
Dusting is one of the least enjoyable home chores, but it is a necessary one. You need to ensure that your ductwork is clean, regardless of whether it’s on the ceiling or the wall. This will help prevent harmful allergens circulating throughout your home. Don’t forget to store your cleaning supplies and dusting supplies away from surfaces that need to be dusted, such as your air ducts. If dust is visible on any surface in your home, it is a sign that your air ducts need to be cleaned.
Rodents love to live in ductwork, and will find an opening to get inside. This can lead to fire, which can cause extensive property damage and put your family at risk. If you see droppings, chewed up materials, or unpleasant odors, you can tell if there is a rodent infestation. Moreover, rodents’ presence in your air ducts could lead to more serious problems in your home, including higher energy bills.
Common contaminants found in air ducts
Indoor air pollution can come from many sources, including ductwork and dust. Dust and pet hair are common culprits. If you open the windows or doors, you bring in more of these airborne pollutants. Pollen, dirt, and other organic materials from the outside can also get trapped in the conduitwork and become airborne. When these contaminants continue to accumulate, they can cause negative health effects, including respiratory conditions and aggravated allergy symptoms.
While fiberglass duct materials can be used in HVAC systems for many benefits, they are also known to harbor fungal and microbial species that can cause health problems for those who live in them. Numerous building investigations have shown that duct materials can be biocontaminated. One such study involved six-week experiments to find the conditions that allowed Penicillium chlorogenum to grow.
Cleaning frequency
There are several factors that influence how often to clean your air ducts, including the number of pets and their shedding habits. The amount of dust that builds up in your ducts will be higher if you have a pet who sheds. This can also increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Smoking can increase the need to clean your ducts regularly. This is because tobacco smoke contains carcinogens, which can have a negative impact on the health of those who live in your home.
When is the best time for air duct cleaning? According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NACCA), air duct cleaning should take place between three and five year depending on the location of the home and frequency of HVAC use. Regular inspections can also lower the risk of allergies and other conditions related to dust, Sick Building Syndrome, and mold or pest infestations. It is also a good idea to ask the previous owner if they had their air ducts serviced prior to you moving in. There may be debris from the construction that has not been removed.
Mold growth in the air ducts
While you may not see mold growth in your air ducts from outside, it can be detected inside your home by looking at certain signs. Understanding how mold grows will help you prevent it and protect your health. Here are some signs you might have an air duct infestation. Continue reading to learn more. If you do notice mold, it is best to have it examined by a professional. Here are some other ways to detect mold.
Mold growth can be caused by inadequate ventilation in HVAC units or homes. Warm air condenses when the AC temperature drops too low. Condensation is a favorable environment for mold growth. But it only happens when air is about 20 degrees warmer or cooler than the original temperature. This is why gradual temperature fluctuations are better than abrupt temperature changes. Replace any mold in your air-ducts immediately.