As a Kawartha Lakes region homeowner, you must always maintain your home and ensure that it is clean, safe, and comfortable for you and your family. One factor that can affect your air quality is your air ducts. After all, the ductwork in your home circulates the air from your heating and cooling system throughout your house. If it becomes loaded with dirt, dust, and other debris, your air quality and the efficiency of your HVAC system can suffer.
However, how do you determine if it’s time for duct cleaning? Fortunately, some telltale signs will tell you if it’s already time to clean your ducts.
1. Increase in Energy Bills
Numerous factors play on higher energy costs, such as the time of year, the size of your home, price hikes, how often you use your HVAC system, etc. However, if you’ve noticed a recent and or gradual spike in your energy bills and can’t attribute it to any of the above factors, it might be time to have your ducts cleaned. The buildup of dirt and debris in your ductwork can make your HVAC system work harder than usual, thus using more energy and costing you more money.
2. Excess Dust in Your Home
When it comes to your home, dust is inevitable. However, if you find excessive dust in your home, it could be a sign that your HVAC system is not working properly.
If your HVAC system is not filtering the air properly, dust and other particles can build up and circulate throughout your home. This can not only be annoying and cause respiratory problems, but it can also be a fire hazard. In addition, it can make your HVAC produce rattling sounds because there’s a build-up of dirt.
3. Allergies or Respiratory Issues
Dirty ducts can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, especially in children or older adults. If you or a family member experiences sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes when the HVAC runs, it could be a sign that your system is dirty.
In addition, dirty ducts can contain mould, mildew, and other pollutants that can cause respiratory problems. These pollutants can also aggravate allergies and other health conditions. If you spot these symptoms, you should have your ducts cleaned as soon as possible.
4. Strange Smells
If your HVAC system emits strange smells, it can signify something is wrong. For example, one of the most common smells you might notice is a musty smell. This can suggest that your system is overworking and needs to be cleaned. It can also indicate that your ductwork is dirty.
If you notice a musty or mouldy smell, it’s essential to have your system checked out by a professional to ensure that there isn’t a more serious problem.
Another typical smell you might notice is a burning smell. This can signal that your system is overheating and needs to be repaired. If you detect a burning smell, it’s vital to shut off your system immediately and call a professional for help.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to tell if you need to clean your ducts is crucial. Otherwise, you may have a dusty house or even health problems. If you think your ducts may require cleaning, the best course of action is to contact a duct cleaning company. They will review your ducts and give you an honest opinion on whether or not they need to be cleaned.
If you’re looking for duct cleaning companies in Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay, Peterborough, Oshawa, Whitby, and the surrounding areas, Chem-Dry of the Kawarthas is here to help. We ensure that your ducts are free from dirt and debris that could harm you and your family. Contact us today at 705-878-8697 for your duct cleaning needs!
