5 Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning

Do your air ducts need to be professionally cleaned? While this question may not cross your mind as commonly as other HVAC-related thoughts (such as changing your filters), you should know when to treat your air ducts with professional cleaning services. Air ducts are how conditioned air is distributed throughout your home. And if they’re too dirty or clogged up, there could be negative effects towards your IAQ (indoor air quality) and energy efficiency.

If you’re not sure whether your air ducts require professional cleaning, Action Air is here to help! Here are 5 signs your air ducts need cleaning.

1. Unusually High Energy Bills

As stated, air ducts are responsible for carrying air conditioned by your HVAC system, which requires energy to do so. If there are clogs or build-ups in your air ducts, conditioned air is blocked and can’t be distributed as thoroughly. This causes your HVAC system to work harder, as it’s programmed to reach whatever temperature is set, no matter the energy usage.

This can lead to a much higher energy bill. If you’ve noticed a substantial increase when comparing your current bill with previous months, the cause may be clogged air ducts that are blocking airflow.

2. Increasing Allergy and Respiratory Problems

If you’re starting to wake up with a sore throat or a runny nose every morning, the cause may be more than simple allergies. Air ducts can have build-ups of several different contaminants such as mold, pollen, and dust. And as air ducts are pumping out air, these contaminants can follow suit.

Inhaling these contaminants can trigger allergenic responses such as dry throat, runny nose, chronic cough, and headaches. These symptoms can even exacerbate respiratory problems if you have pre-existing conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. If you’ve suddenly begun experiencing allergy symptoms with no explanation, you may want to get your air ducts inspected and cleaned.

3. Supply and Return Vents are Increasingly Dirty

While it’s normal to see the occasional piece of dust or lint stuck to your supply and return vents, it should be a concern if vents keep getting dirty, even after cleaning them. This could mean that there is a considerable amount of filth in your air ducts that is dirtying your supply and return vents.

If you’re having to clean your vents more often than usual, you may require air duct cleaning services.

4. Increasing Amounts of Furniture Dust and Dirt

Noticing your furniture becoming more dusty or dirty? If your air ducts haven’t been cleaned in a while, this could be the reason. Dirty air ducts can spew out particles of dust, debris, and other contaminants that can latch onto nearby surfaces such as couches, chairs, tables, and dressers. And the longer your air ducts accumulate this contaminant buildup, the dirtier your furniture can become.

5. There was a Pest Problem in Your Attic

If you’ve recently had an exterminator eliminate a pest problem in your attic, we recommend also scheduling air duct cleaning services. Air ducts run through your attic, which can make them a prime target for pests. If pests have managed to infiltrate air ducts, they can leave droppings, carcasses, or even nests inside them. These disease-carrying substances can completely ruin your IAQ and may even cause a serious illness if not remediated.

Never leave your air ducts in the dust – know these signs that indicate when professional cleaning is needed! If you’re ready to get started with duct cleaning services, contact Action Air to speak with the leading HVAC professionals in Indianapolis. Give us a call at 317-451-4371 to schedule an appointment and get started.