Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) systems are an integral part of modern buildings. They help keep humidity consistent, indoor air quality high, and room temperatures comfortable.
However, the HVAC system may fail to do its job efficiently over time, especially if the duct network is overcome by multitudes of dust, pet dander, and allergens. That means you will want to clean the air ducts regularly to keep your HVAC system at peak performance.
But how often should you clean the air ducts? Before answering that, let us first look at some common indicators that the duct network needs cleaning.
Four signs your duct system needs cleaning
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High utility bills
If you are paying higher electric bills than you regularly did, you might want to look at your HVAC system. Clogged air ducts reduce the system’s efficiency, which can result in a high cost of electricity.
While your system inefficiencies may be to blame for high electricity bills, you may also want to look at your energy provider. If you suspect you are getting a raw deal from your energy provider and think it’s time to change, compare electricity providers in your region first so you can find the best match and start saving.
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Illness
If the occupants of your home are experiencing lingering colds, sinus infections, allergies, and asthma complications, it could be a sign that your ducts need some cleaning.
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Musty smell or visible mold
Molds thrive in damp and hard-to-reach areas, and clogged-up ductwork offers the right conditions. If you notice signs of mold growth around your system vents or a musty smell once your system starts running, it could be an indication that your ducts may need some cleaning.
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Excess dust in the home
When dust, pet dander allergens, and other contaminants pile up in the ductwork, with time, this buildup spills into the home and manifests in poofs of dust released from the air vents. Physical dust can put you and other house occupants at risk of respiratory illnesses and is a sign of ductwork that needs cleaning.
How often to clean your ducts
According to HVAC experts, cleaning air ducts should be done every 3-5 years. This is the minimum time for the air ducts to collect sufficient grit and grime to cause apparent inefficiencies. The time between the cleanings may be dependent on several factors that include:
- The number of house’s occupants
- Presence of pets in the house and, if so, whether or not they shed
- The level of pollution in your neighborhood
- Frequency of your HVAC maintenance
- The health of the occupants of the home
When to clean your ductwork
Rather than waiting for signs to show, it is best to clean your ductwork on schedule. However, cleaning the ductwork is time-consuming and should be done when you are least likely to use your HVAC system.
Ideally, the best time to do a ductwork cleanup or any other major HVAC maintenance or replacement would be at the seasons when you are least likely to use it. It is best to leave duct cleaning to the HVAC experts, considering the complexity of the cleaning process.
Choose the best energy provider for your home today
Your HVAC system is among the largest energy consumers in your home. It only makes sense that you get a reliable energy provider that offers the best rates to cut the cost of running your system.
If you are unsure of the best Australian energy provider for your home, iSelect can help you compare electricity and gas providers so you can start saving. Having provided comparison services for over 4 million Australians in the last two years, you can be sure that this reputable comparison website will help you get the most suitable deal.