How to Know If Your Ducts Need Cleaning | SERVPRO® of Piscataway

Outdoor air is blamed as being the source of pollutants, but homeowners are often surprised to learn that indoor air quality is often far worse. If you have a central heating and cooling system in your home, the air that’s cycled through contains all the debris, as well.

But how do you know if your ducts need cleaning? If you’re on the fence, here are some typical scenarios that definitely call for maintenance:

  • Allergies: Because air moving through the ventilation system can pick up all the contaminants along the way, allergens and pollen are hitching a free ride around the home. If someone in your household is suffering from allergies, the allergens contained in the ducts might be the cause.

  • Remodeling: If you’ve recently remodeled in your home, you’re probably quite acquainted with dust and debris. What most don’t consider is how easily these contaminants can find their way into the ducts—meaning the HVAC system will continue to cycle it through until the unit is cleaned.

  • Mold: Mold leads to a number of serious health issues, and should be swiftly treated. Mold spores spread by becoming airborne—meaning if there has been any sign of mold in the home, the ducts could also be at risk.

  • High Energy Bill: The Department of Energy states that 43 percent of a home’s energy bill is from the HVAC system. If the system is full of contaminants, the unit will work harder to produce the same amount of air and use even more energy than usual. If you’ve noticed high utility bills, a dirty HVAC system might be a factor.

  • Rodents: Unfortunately, rodents and pests can find their way into any home. If you’ve seen signs of an animal infestation, call an exterminator and a cleaning service immediately to protect your family from the harmful diseases pests often carry.

  • Routine Contaminants: In addition to these cases, general household debris, pet dander and dust can add up.

If you can’t recall the last time the ducts have been cleaned in your home, SERVPRO® is happy to inspect your ductwork to see if it’s past due.