How Do I Know If My Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?

Dirty supply & return vent covers are a strong indicator that your air ducts and HVAC system need to be cleaned. This buildup on the covers is dirt & dust directly from air ducts. It pushes into living spaces & the air you breathe. If you’re seeing dirty vent covers, it’s also recommended that you change your furnace air filter, as this is a sign the filter is no longer effectively capturing debris passing through your system.

With dusty vent covers usually come dark filtration lines. If you notice the presence of dark dust that lines your walls, ceiling, carpet, or baseboards near your vents, you’re probably due for an HVAC cleaning. Dark filtration lines are especially important to address because this type of soiling can cause  permanent damage to carpets and rugs. Getting your HVAC system inspected and cleaned can help prevent this.

Noticing excess dust in your home that seems to resurface regularly? This is a sign of dirty air ducts, as it typically means dust buildup is being pushed through your ductwork and back out of your air vents, settling on your surfaces.

If you recently replaced part of your HVAC system like your furnace or part of your ductwork, we recommend having your system cleaned. While this may seem unnecessary, dirty sections of the ductwork can contaminant the new components. Professional cleaning can help protect your new investment and ensure it continues operating efficiently.

If you have a pet that sheds, you know they are the reason for the fur that floats in your air, ends up on your clothes, and, in unfortunate cases, is cooked into your food. Along with sticking to floors and upholstery, pet allergens end up (and build-up) in your air and in your HVAC system. Unfortunately, HEPA air filters can’t capture everything, so the fur and dander will just continue to recirculate throughout your home until you remove them. 

Smoking contributes to indoor air pollution. As residual smoke clings to your walls and ceiling, it can also get into your ductwork. Some furnace filters might be able to capture some of these particles, but the majority of the smoke residue will remain in your air duct system until removed by a professional cleaning.

If you notice an onset of indoor allergy-like symptoms when you turn your heating and cooling (especially during changing seasons), this could be an indicator your ductwork needs to be cleaned. Air duct cleaning helps to minimize dust and dirt in the home that can trigger unpleasant symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and congestion. Dust buildup also restricts the airflow in your HVAC system and according to the American Lung Association, proper ventilation is key to keeping air fresh and healthy indoors.

If the indoor temperature or airflow varies from room to room, this may mean dirt, dust and other buildup are blocking air as it tries to pass through. Cleaning your HVAC system will help clear your ductwork and allow air to move more efficiently.

Is your utility bill looking higher than normal? This could mean dirt & dust are restricting airflow in your HVAC system – and the restriction might not just be from your ductwork. Matter can build up and create a blockage on your coils or air handling unit, as well. Regardless of where the blockage is, your HVAC system has to work harder than it needs to, and it will need to be cleaned to run more efficiently again.

Construction projects are a common cause of buildup in your HVAC system since saws, drills, and other equipment disperse debris into the air, where the debris is then swept up into ductwork. Air duct cleaning helps to remove all the drywall dust, sawdust, and other construction remnants that get trapped in your system.

If you’re moving into a new home, you should definitely schedule an air duct inspection. In some cases, homes are 30-60 years old and have never had their air ducts cleaned because previous homeowners didn’t know any better. In less extreme cases, the house just might be due for an air duct cleaning. Regardless, it’s nice to start with a clean slate so that the previous homeowner’s debris doesn’t circulate throughout your house.