You probably don’t think about air ducts unless they’re not working properly. That is why it might surprise you to learn that your air ducts can have a big impact on the quality of air in your home. When air ducts are dirty, they can put your home at risk for numerous hazards. In fact, neglected and unclean air ducts can even lead to CO poisoning and other dangers if left unaddressed. So how do you know if yours are clean? Here are some signs that indicate when it’s time to hire an air duct cleaning company:
You Can Smell Something Foul
There are a variety of signs that indicate unclean air ducts, but one of the most obvious is a foul odor. If you smell something foul coming from your vents, especially if it’s accompanied by a moldy smell, it’s a sign that your ducts are very dirty. Clogged vents and poor-quality registers can sometimes trap dirt and dust, causing odors that make it into your home. If you notice a musty or moldy smell in your home, it could be caused by humid air that’s not being cleaned properly. That humid air could be caused by leaky ductwork, which would allow moist air to escape and build up in the ductwork.
Condensation Is Present
Another sign that your ducts are unclean is the presence of condensation. This can happen if your ducts aren’t properly insulated or cleaned. Over time, dust and other contaminants can build up in your ducts. That will make them warmer than the surrounding air, which means that they’ll trap that warmth inside. In turn, that will cause them to get warmer than the air outside them, which will cause condensation on the inside of the ducts. Condensation can appear as droplets on the surface of ducts, or it may appear as a foggy or moist film. It’s important to note that ducts with visible condensation on the inside should be cleaned immediately.
There Are Dark Spots On The Walls And Ceiling
Are there dark spots on the walls and ceiling of your home? If so, it could mean that your ducts are unclean. As air circulates through your ductwork, it passes through filters that are supposed to trap dirt and other contaminants. If those filters (also known as ducts) aren’t cleaned regularly, they can get clogged up with dust, dirt, and other particles. If your ducts are dirty, you may notice that the air being circulated through them has a dark or sooty quality. Over time, that will be picked up by the ducts and circulated through your home. Eventually, that soot will make its way to your walls and ceiling, leaving dark marks behind.
You Feel A Draft When Doors Or Windows Are Closed
If your home feels drafty even when doors and windows are closed, it could be a sign that your ducts are unclean. Air ducts often have ventilation systems that draw in fresh air from the outside and push stale air out toward the roof. If your ducts are dirty, they won’t be able to push out stale air as easily, causing your home to feel drafty even when all doors, windows, and vents are closed. If you notice that your home feels drafty even while doors and windows are shut, it could be caused by unclean air ducts. Dirty air ducts are less effective at circulating air, so they may be pushing out stale air even when everything is closed.
Ducts Are Rusty Or Discolored From Dirt And Dust
If your ducts appear rusty, brown, or discolored, it could be a sign that they’re filthy. Air ducts are often made out of metal or fiberglass, which means that they’re going to get rusty if they’re not regularly cleaned. If your ducts are rusty, they may also be discolored from accumulated dust or dirt. Rust and dust are signs that your ducts haven’t been cleaned in a while. Air duct cleaning services can help to remove that dirt, dust, and rust, improving the quality of the air in your home.
Summing It Up
As you can see, there are a variety of signs that indicate when it’s time to call a professional for a duct cleaning service. If your ducts are dirty, they may not be working properly, and they could be putting your home at risk. Dirty air ducts may cause odors, humidity, and other issues in your home, so it’s important to keep them clean.
