You might not think about your ductwork often, but this is a crucial part of your HVAC system that helps keep your home comfortable. Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can build up inside your ducts, negatively affecting air quality and making your HVAC system work harder. Some common signs that your ducts need cleaning include inconsistent airflow, dusty air, or strange smells from your vents. If you notice any of these signs, Arce Heating & AC in Fort Mill, SC, can help with expert duct cleaning services to get your system back in shape.
Build-Up of Dust and Debris
If the air ducts in your system are clogged with dust and debris, this particulate matter will end up getting blown through your vents. It will circulate into your living spaces as well. You might find it building up on furniture, floors, and other areas.
When dust builds up inside your ducts, it blocks proper airflow. Your HVAC system must work harder to push air through your heating and cooling equipment and ducts. Over time, this can lead to greater energy bills because the system uses more energy to heat or cool your home. It’s not just about the extra cost; it also means that the air circulating in your home is dirtier. This can make it harder to breathe, especially if anyone in your home has allergies or asthma.
To determine if your ducts need cleaning, keep an eye on how quickly dust seems to accumulate after you’ve cleaned. If it seems to gather rapidly, that could be a good indication that dust and debris are trapped in your ducting system and being blown back into your rooms.
Reduced Airflow and Poor Efficiency
If you notice that certain rooms in your home feel warmer or colder than others, it could be a sign that your ducts are blocked with dust, dirt, and other debris like pet hair and dander. When airflow is restricted, your HVAC system struggles to distribute air throughout your home evenly. You might notice that some areas aren’t reaching the desired temperature or that it takes longer for the system to heat or cool your house.
This reduced airflow isn’t just annoying; it can cause your HVAC system to work overtime. This leads to unnecessary wear and tear on your equipment. The system may not only fail to maintain a comfortable temperature but could also increase your energy bills due to its inefficiency. If you’re finding it hard to get home to your desired temperature, duct cleaning might be the solution.
Unpleasant Odors Coming from Vents
If you’ve noticed an odd smell coming from your vents, it could be a sign that your ducts need attention. Over time, things like mold, mildew, or pet hair can collect inside the ductwork. When the air blows through, it brings those odors with it. If you’ve cleaned your house thoroughly and still can’t get rid of the smell, it could be coming from your ducts.
Musty odors are particularly common in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces. If your ducts run through these spaces and there are gaps and cracks that allow air inside your ducts, this can spread musty smells throughout your home.
If you notice a burning smell when you first turn on the heat or air conditioning, this can also point to clogged ducts. Built-up dust inside the system may burn off when it heats up, causing a temporary but unpleasant odor. It’s normal to smell a slight dusty smell when you turn on your furnace for the first time in the cold weather season. However, this smell should go away after a couple of minutes.
Allergies and Breathing Issues
If you or anyone in your home has started experiencing more frequent allergy symptoms or worsening asthma, dirty air ducts could be the culprit. Your HVAC ductwork can get clogged with common allergens like dust, pollen, pet hair, etc. When your HVAC system runs, these allergens are blown into the air, affecting the quality of the air you breathe.
If your allergies are acting up more than usual, check your ducts for a buildup of dust or debris. You could notice more sneezing, coughing, or other allergic reactions whenever your HVAC system kicks in.
Call Us Today
Are you noticing issues like poor airflow, excess dust, or strange odors in your Fort Mill home? It might be time to clean your ducts to improve your home’s air quality. Contact Arce Heating & AC today to schedule your duct cleaning and breathe easier. We can also help you with all your maintenance, HVAC installation, HVAC repair, and thermostat repair needs.
