How Do You Know If Your Air Ducts Need To Be Cleaned?

Home air conditioning systems are a basic part of most modern homes. You might not give your AC unit a second thought until it’s not working properly, but these systems do need regular cleaning and maintenance. Air conditioning ducts play a major role in keeping your family cool. Learn some clear signs that your air ducts need to be cleaned so you can stay comfortable all year long.

Your Vents Are Full of Dust and Small Particles

If you start to notice dust, debris, and small particles coming out of your vents, this is a simple way to tell that your ducts are ready for cleaning. Normally, you shouldn’t see any dust or debris coming out of your vents when your AC, heater, or furnace turns on. Air should flow easily through the passages without causing any mess.
A common symptom of dusty vents is a small cloud of dirt that is released from your vents whenever your AC unit turns on. This floating dirt should never happen when your cooling system is properly functioning. If you notice these dust clouds, contact Sinclaire Home Services for a duct cleaning today.

Your Air Filters Are Clogged

It’s important to change your air filters regularly, but your filters should perform well for a few months before needing to be replaced. AC filters shouldn’t be dirty after only a few days. If your filters are always clogged, no matter how recently you changed them, this is a sign that your AC unit is having other problems. Duct cleaning can help your filters work their best, trapping dust, animal dander, debris, plant material, dirt, and other substances.

There’s an Unpleasant Smell in Your Home

No one wants to deal with an unpleasant odor in their house. If you smell something but can’t find the source, it could be coming from your ducts and vents. This possibility is especially likely if you notice the smell in several rooms and can’t pinpoint its location. Get as close as possible to your vents and sniff to see if the smell is coming from inside your vents. If it is, you can get in touch with Sinclaire Home Services for a full, professional duct cleaning. We can help identify and remove any unpleasant scents from your AC ducts.

You Find Mold or Mildew

Mold and mildew can cause serious problems in your home. Infestations can lead to structural damage to your house, as well as cause major health problems. Mold and mildew are responsible for respiratory problems, headaches, allergy flare-ups, and more. Keep an eye on your entire HVAC system for signs of mold. Regularly inspect the vent covers in your home as well as the external AC units. Sinclaire Home Services can help if you find signs of mold.

Mold and mildew thrive in damp, humid environments such as we see around the Massachusetts coast. If you struggle with humidity in your home, consider purchasing a home dehumidifier. This appliance will keep your home dry to prevent any future growth.

Uneven Airflow

Your home’s AC system should evenly distribute air throughout your house. Bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and other spaces should all receive steady, consistent airflow. Be alert for hot or cold spots within your home. If you notice that some rooms aren’t getting as much air as the rest of the house, you’re likely dealing with clogged or dirty ducts. A professional duct cleaning can solve the problem and return your home to steady circulation.

Bugs, Rats, or Other Creatures in Your Ducts

A pest infestation is a clear sign that your ducts need to be cleaned. Insects and small animals often find AC ducts an attractive place to live. Your duct system is cool and dark, which makes it a great place for pests to live in the summer heat. Many small animals are attracted to air conditioning ducts because this environment is safe and protected, especially compared to life in the wild.

If you’ve struggled with animal or insect infestations in your home, you should always have your ducts cleaned once the pests are removed. Cleaning gets rid of any remaining dander, droppings, microbes, and other allergens. These substances can also attract more creatures to your ducts, so it’s important to have them removed.

Your House Is Always Dusty

Cleaning isn’t fun, especially when you’re constantly working at this chore with little to show for it. If your floors, tables, and other surfaces are always dusty right after you cleaned, it could be because your ducts are dirty. Clogged vents are full of dust, dirt, and dander that can easily blow into your home. Look for buildup near your vents to see if the AC system could cause problems throughout your house. If this is the case, a professional duct cleaning can make your regular chore rotation much easier.

Your Utility Costs Are Higher than Usual

We get our share of fluctuating weather here in Massachusetts, but your utility bills should be fairly predictable from year to year. You should be able to notice patterns when you run the AC more frequently, and then in other months when you don’t need to cool your home as much. If you start to notice unusual billing patterns, that could be a sign that your system is having trouble.

Clogged ducts add stress to your air conditioning system. Your unit has to work harder to send air through the ducts when they’re clogged, using more electricity to do the same job. Rising utility costs show that your AC is losing efficiency. Sinclaire Home Services can clean your ducts to help you avoid this issue.

Unusual Noises From the Ducts

Every AC system has its own quirks. After you live in your home for a while, you’ll get to know its regular noises and sounds. For example, many air conditioners make distinctive noises when turning on. This sound can be a normal part of your AC system and not something you need to worry about.
Once you learn what sounds normal for your air conditioner, you’ll be able to notice any new or unusual sounds. New noises can be a sign that your AC unit is having trouble. You also shouldn’t hear sounds coming from the ducts and vents within your walls. If you notice anything other than the standard motor running, that’s a sign your ducts are ready to be cleaned.

You Don’t Know When the Ducts Were Last Cleaned

Not every homeowner knows the history of their house. If you recently bought your home or are living in an older building, you may not have records about the last cleaning. Your AC might seem like it’s working fine in this situation, but your ducts could be developing problems behind the scenes. If you don’t know when your ducts were last cleaned, you should schedule an appointment with Sinclaire Home Services. We’ll thoroughly clean your system to keep your AC running safely and properly.

Major Work Was Just Done on Your Home

Renovations and construction work are always messy. Whether your home is new construction or you recently remodeled, there’s going to be a lot of dust and debris in the air. This dirt will make its way into your air conditioning vents, where it can either cause clogs or be recirculated throughout your home. You’ll enjoy your updated home so much more with top-notch air quality. You should have your AC ducts cleaned after any major construction to keep your home clean.

You Have an Older AC System

Older air conditioning systems can still keep your house cool, provided the system is kept in good shape. Regular maintenance will help your AC unit work its best for its full lifespan. Your unit’s cooling coils, fans, heat exchangers, and ducts can all be cleaned as part of a recurring check-up appointment. Scheduled maintenance can help your system stay efficient. This provides a longer functional period, plus some cost savings. Contact Sinclaire Home Services to learn about regular duct cleaning and how it can impact your AC system.

Learn More About Duct Cleaning

Air conditioner duct cleaning plays an important role in keeping your family safe, healthy, and comfortable. Sinclaire Home Services can help you prevent, avoid, or recover from a range of issues. Whether you have a build-up of dust, a pest infestation, unusual performance issues, or any other problem with your cooling system, our expert technicians are ready to tackle our problem.

We offer industry-leading AC services that include thorough duct cleaning. If you’re struggling with mold, fungus, mildew, or other biological substances, we will thoroughly clean and eradicate the problem. For homeowners who are dealing with a physical dirt blockage, we flush the clog and leave you with clean ductwork. We also provide recommendations for how you can avoid the problem in the future. With regular maintenance and expert advice, Sinclaire Home Services can keep your house clean and comfortable all year long