Spring is a good time to get your house ready for the hot summer months. For most people spring cleaning is all about putting away their winter clothes and organizing their garage. But that is not enough. You also need to pay attention to those places that are not so easy to see because they need some serious spring cleaning attention.
Your air conditioner’s air ducts are one of those places that desperately need your attention. Many homeowners fail to notice how dirty and dusty their air ducts have become after prolonged use. Air ducts need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Dirty and contaminated air ducts affect the quality of indoor air and cause health problems. They will also prevent the unit from functioning efficiently.
Here is why air duct cleaning needs to be on your spring cleaning agenda. Keep in mind that this job requires expert skills, so it is best to leave it to the professionals. If you are the DIY type, you will probably want to give it a try, but you will have to hire a professional to get the system cleaned thoroughly.
Why your air ducts need to be cleaned?
Perhaps the most important reason is to improve the quality of the air inside your home. Dust mites, dander, pollen and even mold can clog your air ducts. Clogged ducts may cause skin or eye irritation, respiratory problems, headaches, allergies, nausea and asthma.
By getting the air ducts cleaned, you can not only improve your health but also enhance the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Even a thin layer of dust affects the flow of the air through the vents. This will force your HVAC system to work harder. If you allow the dust and dirt to build, your system will have to struggle hard to perform the heating and cooling functions of your home. This will increase your energy bills and reduce the quality of the indoor air.
In addition, if air ducts are not cleaned regularly, they will cause serious damage to your HVAC system. If you allow dust and dirt to enter the cabinet of your HVAC, they will affect the various components. This will ultimately result in costly repairs. If the components do not work properly, your HVAC system will not last long.
When to get the air ducts cleaned?
Spring and autumn are great times to get your air ducts cleaned. That is because during these seasons, you are unlikely to use your HVAC system 24/7. As a result, you will be able to schedule a clean that will not affect your cooling or heating needs.
If you notice mold growth inside the ducts or on your HVAC system, it is a clear sign that they need to be cleaned. The presence of dust participles inside your home and a foul mildew odor are also signs that your ducts need cleaning.
The cleaning process
You have to clean your ductwork, fan, coils and air registers. All the components should be cleaned properly to prevent the contaminants from entering your house. This job should be left to professionals who have got the equipment and skills required for this.