11 Reasons to Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned This Fall

As fall approaches, we look forward to cooler, crisper air outdoors and the smell of autumnal favorites such as apple cider and pumpkin spice! But what about the air in your home? Should you be concerned about that dusty, musty scent slowly intensifying indoors? It is important for both your health and the performance of your HVAC system that you address the sights and smells coming from your air ducts and vents before the snow sets in and you are stuck inside. Read on for 11 reasons to get your air ducts cleaned before winter.

1. You Have a Family Member Who Suffers from Allergies

The air in your home is circulated through your air ducts multiple times each day, each time taking a little bit of whatever is in your air ducts into your home with it. Air ducts are tight spaces that allow for the build-up of dust, dust mites, mold, fungi, bacteria, germs, pet fur and dander, chemicals, and all other kinds of obnoxious allergens. Getting your air ducts clean may relieve the symptoms of your loved one suffering from allergies.

2. There Is Mold Visibly Growing Within Your Air Ducts

This is an obvious one. Certain varieties of mold can be dangerous to breathe, and if there is mold in your uncleaned air ducts, then you are probably breathing in mold spores on a daily basis. Get your air ducts cleaned to protect your throat, lungs, and immune system!

3. You Have Pets

Pet owners know that pet fur is easily airborne and builds up quickly in the nooks and corners of a home. Air ducts are no different, except for the fact that too much fur build-up can be damaging to the performance of an HVAC system. If you are a pet owner, getting your air ducts cleaned could mean improved performance.

4. Your Ducts Are Infested With Insects or Rodents

Another obvious one. If your air ducts are suffering an infestation of insects, rodents, or some other living creature, it is time to get them cleaned. Insects and rodents leave biological materials such as droppings that are both harmful to the air quality in your home and just plain gross.

5. Your Air Vents Are Emitting Dust

If the dust build up in your air ducts has gotten to the point of emitting particulate into your home, you are ready for an air duct cleaning. This is a sign that the build-up has gotten so bad that the fans must push dust out of the air ducts in order to keep air flowing, which decreases the efficiency of your HVAC system.

6. You Want More Time Between Cleaning Your Home

Have you noticed that, the very day after you dust your home, the dust returns? Since air ducts just re-circulate the air within, this could mean that they are full of dust. Getting your air ducts cleaned will mean cleaner air circulating in your home and consequently, less time between dustings.

7. There Is a Smoker in the Family

Smoke can build up inside air ducts, decreasing the air quality in your home for everyone in the family. Improve the smell and decrease the level of harmful toxins in your home by getting your ducts cleaned.

8. Your Home Has Experienced Water Damage in the Basement

Air ducts are most frequently installed in the basement. If the basement in your home is frequently damp or has ever been exposed to flooding incurring water damage, it is likely that you have mold in your air ducts. Get them cleaned to remove any mold that may have built up over time.

9. Your Home Recently Underwent a Remodeling Project

Remodeling and renovation kicks up sawdust, drywall dust, and other particles that can get trapped in your air ducts. Get them cleaned to clear out the mess made by new construction.

10. You Wouldn’t Mind Saving a Little Money

Cleaning air ducts has been shown to save money in extreme cases of dirtiness. If you have a large build-up of dust or pet hair that is inhibiting the airflow of your HVAC system, causing the fans to work harder, you could cut costs by getting your air ducts cleaned.

11. Your Home Is Old and the Ducts Have Never Been Cleaned

If your home is over 5-10 years old and the air ducts have never been cleaned, it is likely that something has made its home up there after extended use by you or previous owners. Get your air ducts cleaned to make your HVAC system and air quality like new!

If any of these reasons apply to you, consider scheduling an air duct cleaning this fall. At Moore Heating, we offer a video examination of your current system as well as preventative maintenance to keep your ducts clean well into the future. Learn more about our air duct cleaning services!