Duct Cleaning: 3 Clear Signs That You May Need Service

Duct cleaning is an aspect of home maintenance that many people give little thought. In the average house, you may be able to go years without ever bothering. While some companies make claims as it pertains to greater air conditioning efficiency by having the service done, nothing has ever been proven to substantiate these claims. While the service can be an important part of an overall air conditioning efficiency tune up, there's little evidence to show that it can make a big difference on its own. There are exceptional times, however, when the service is absolutely one of the best things you can have done. Here are three clear signs that you might benefit from the service.

Mold

Mold is the bane of any homeowner who wants to keep their house safe, clean, and free of contaminants. Unfortunately, the ductwork system is an easy place for mold to hide. If you've examined your A/C system and found mold growing on the sheet metal, it may be time to consider bringing in a duct cleaning service. Even if you can't find any mold yourself, it is worth the money to have a service provider come in and do an inspection. Keep in mind that if you don't take steps to correct the situation that brought mold growth to your ducts in the first place, it will only grow back after it has been removed.

Infestation

The air conditioning system is a prime place for insects and other vermin to make their home. As many steps as you may have taken to ensure your home doesn't become a home to unwanted pests, there's little you can do to protect your ventilation system. If you've heard scuttling or have other signs of an infestation, it's time to call a duct cleaning company and have the problem addressed. In the future, you should take steps to make sure your house is even less of an attractive target for such pests. Keeping food locked away and reducing moisture in the home are two steps that make a big difference.

Clogs

If it has been a long time since your last duct cleaning, you may be breathing a substantial amount of dirt and debris every time your air conditioning kicks on. Paying for the service when there is little more than a fine coating of dust on your ventilation system may not be worth it, but if the system is clogged with particulates, that's quite another matter. Find a good company and have them get your ventilation system back to working order.