How Important Is Air Duct Cleaning?

Air Duct Cleaning 101

Dirty air ducts not only reduce airflow but also decrease indoor air quality. If the ducts are not properly cleaned, foul odors can also be caused. Homeowners can keep their homes comfortable by getting air duct cleaning service annually.

Why Is Air Duct Cleaning Necessary?

Air ducts range in size depending on the air conditioning system. Although some ducts are small, this does not impact leaks. The ductwork of any kind can rip, causing air-conditioned air to escape. When this happens, homeowners must pay more for their monthly energy bills. One way to spot these tears before they become a major problem is to schedule regular cleanings.

Professional air duct cleaners use specialized equipment to inspect and clean the ductwork. A camera system with long cables can help them detect leaks in hard-to-spot areas. When homeowners attempt to clean air ducts, they often use a brush or vacuum, which does not remove all pollutants from entering the home.

Those who suffer from allergies can greatly benefit from air duct cleaning. Reducing mildew, pollen, and other bacteria helps children and adults breathe easier. This is especially true for households with pets.

Neglected ducts can cause fires due to lint. This is true regardless of how old the HVAC system is. Annual cleaning will help keep the home safe by significantly reducing the likelihood of ignition. Not only does this save lives, but it can also save the HVAC unit. Air conditioners and heaters last longer when they are properly maintained.

Signs It’s Time to Clean the Ducts

air vent Homeowners may notice health symptoms from contamination if the ducts haven’t been cleaned regularly. These include headaches, dizziness, or extreme lethargy. If homeowners notice a musty smell, it is probably due to mold.

Mold growth typically happens in rooms where there is already water. The bathroom and kitchen are common problem areas. This can be due to dirty overhead vents, but even bacteria that have formed deep inside the air ducts can still cause contamination inside. 

Excess dust is another sign the air ducts should be cleaned. Dusty air ducts may come from clogged air filters. While the air filters can be changed, the dust must be completely removed. A professional can handle dust, mold, and insects during routine AC maintenance.

In addition to a musty scent, dirty air filters can smell smokey or rotten. This happens for several reasons, depending on the household. Rotten or especially pungent smells can occur if rodents die inside the air ducts. This needs to be handled quickly and in a sanitary way.

Homeowner Maintenance Tips

filterThere are a few ways homeowners can reduce contaminants inside the air ducts. The easiest way is to change the air filters every three months. Households with pets may require filter changes once per month. If the filter is blocked, this will also restrict airflow, which reduces energy efficiency.

A clean home will decrease the amount of dust trapped inside the ducts. Vacuuming is the most important part. Homeowners are advised to vacuum or sweep weekly, regardless of the home size.

Professional ductwork cleaning should be scheduled once per year. This is usually done in the spring but can be completed anytime. A professional can inspect the ductwork as they clean so that repairs remain inexpensive. 

Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical provides AC and heating maintenance for Pompano Beach, FL, homeowners. They offer personalized service, honest advice, and only start work with upfront pricing. For air duct cleaning in Pompano Beach, FL, call Mr. Air AC & Electrical today!

Spring Cleaning: AC Edition

Why AC Maintenance and Duct Cleaning is an Important Part of Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning! Some people see it as a drag, but the more optimistic homeowners recognize it for its opportunities. AC maintenance and tune-ups are vital to a springtime checklist because they prepare the air conditioner for the summer heat. Along with AC maintenance, duct cleaning also helps the air conditioning system work at its best and relieves the worst part of the spring: allergies. Here is some advice from local experts about giving the air conditioner the attention it needs in the spring to prepare it for the summer.

Clean and Well Maintained AC Units Work Better 

filterMaintaining the air conditioner is crucial for keeping indoor air clean and healthy. Regularly servicing the air conditioning system can prevent a buildup of dust, pollen, or other contaminants that could otherwise be released into the air. This can help improve indoor air quality and keep a home or business environment clear of unhealthy particles that could affect health and worsen allergy, asthma, and respiratory symptoms.

Aside from keeping an AC unit clean, regular maintenance can extend the system's life and help avoid costly repairs. During routine check-ups, a plumber can identify potential problems, allowing them to fix them before they become more serious. Additionally, correctly maintained air conditioning systems can reduce energy consumption and monthly bills because regular maintenance of an AC unit will improve its energy efficiency, reducing energy costs. 

When it comes to maintaining an AC unit, a few important steps should be taken. First, the air filter should be regularly replaced or cleaned — depending on the filter type — to ensure the AC unit is not clogged up with dust and debris that could affect its efficiency. Additionally, the coils and other parts of the system should be cleaned to prevent buildup and corrosion. Hire a professional air conditioner technician for more serious maintenance tasks to present system damage. These steps will help keep the AC running smoothly and efficiently for many years.

Remember to Schedule Air Duct Cleaning Too

Air duct cleaning is also an important part of maintaining a healthy home. Over time, dust and debris accumulate in the air ducts, creating the perfect breeding ground for allergens and other airborne pollutants. If these particles build up too much, they can be spread around the home through the air conditioning system, making homeowners and their families sick. By regularly cleaning the air ducts, AC technicians can reduce the dust and debris circulating through a home. 

Additionally, regular duct cleaning helps ensure that the AC system works as efficiently as possible and can help reduce energy costs over time because the particles and debris in the ductwork can affect the airflow and make the system work harder than it has to. Having a professional clean the air ducts every few years is a great way to keep a home's indoor air quality safe and help the air conditioning system stay in good shape.  

Keep the Home Cleaner to Help the AC

vacuumRegular cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming are also necessary for air conditioning systems. Not only does this help keep a home clean, but it also helps to reduce the number of contaminants in the air that can get sucked into the air cycle. By reducing the number of airborne particles, homeowners also reduce the dust and other debris that can build up in their AC system. This helps make an air conditioner more energy efficient and helps the system stay clean between professional maintenance visits. So be sure to regularly dust, vacuum, sweep, and clean the home to keep the AC system running smoothly between professional services.

One of the best things that homeowners can do to protect the performance of their air conditioners and help clean up the air is to change their air filters regularly. Clean air filters catch dust and particles from the air, preventing them from circulating throughout the house or settling on surfaces, contributing to allergies. It also protects AC equipment from dust buildup on delicate internal parts. 

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has over three decades of experience serving Pompano Beach and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, 24-hour emergency services, and same-day services. Call them today for air conditioning maintenance or air duct cleaning in Pompano Beach, FL.

Distribution Links +

Back to School: Air Duct Cleaning 101

Air Duct Cleaning Basics

Professional air duct cleaning is a great way to improve indoor air quality and offers many benefits. Experts recommend having the ducts cleaned by a professional at least once a year. When the air ducts are neglected, they may become contaminated with various pollutants and contaminants, creating a weak airflow and a mold breeding ground. The contaminants can also cause various health concerns for the house's residents.

Signs the Air Duct System Needs Cleaning

bad smellThere are numerous reasons why the air ducts may need cleaning, but the most frequent is a buildup of dust and grime from everyday activities. When the home’s ductwork is clogged with dirt and debris, it can smell unpleasant and deprive the house of its ability to be both comfortable and energy efficient. When the temperature changes, homeowners may detect a draft from the air vents or registers. Dirty air ducts may be the reason for an inexplicably high power bill.

Dust and debris in the AC system may irritate sensitive people, including those with respiratory issues such as allergies and asthma. Although these particles are safe for most people, some have breathing difficulties or other health issues, and filthy air ducts and filters may worsen the symptoms and make breathing more difficult. Cleaning the air ducts is a good step when trying to reduce allergens.

Benefits of Having the Air Ducts Cleaned

benefits of duct cleaningA complete duct cleaning removes dangerous particles that accumulate inside the ductwork over time and cause poor indoor air quality. Dust is a problem because it can make allergies worse. But it’s also a problem because dust accumulates quickly, and most of it ends up in the ductwork.

A thorough duct cleaning may restore the cooling system's performance if it isn’t working as well as it once did. When dust and dirt build up in the ductwork and on registers and vents, air can be restricted from flowing as it should. This means that the temperature in the house may not be maintained at the preferred level, and homeowners will see an increase in energy costs. This can be solved by having the ducts cleaned regularly. Duct cleaning helps restore efficiency and reduces energy costs.

Additionally, the ducts might not smell good even if there aren’t many build-ups. This is because mold and mildew can grow in the ducts and make the air smell bad. When the air ducts are cleaned, all of the build-up, mold, or mildew will be removed, and the air will smell fresh and clean.

How to Keep a Home’s Air Ducts Clean

Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid duct contamination between professional cleanings. Many professionals recommend homeowners use the most efficient air filter for their AC system and change the air filter frequently to maintain clean ducts.

Air filters should typically be replaced every three months or more often if a home has pets or residents with allergies. Homeowners can also check for blockages in return vents and replace them as needed. When any indoor construction occurs, seal off vents to protect the AC system from dusty intake.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has over three decades of experience serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day services, and an on-time guarantee. Call them today for air duct cleaning in Pompano Beach, FL.