Have you ever noticed that when the weather starts to get colder, your nose gets stuffy.

Or have you found yourself sneezing more often than usual when the pollen count is high? Many people assume that these are just seasonal allergies or a cold, but in reality, they could be an indication that your air ducts have accumulated dust and dirt.

When left uncleaned, it can pose serious health risks, not only to your family but also to pets and plants! Do not wait for this to happen. Here are seven signs that it’s time to get your air ducts professionally cleaned.

1. Excessive Dust and Debris: If you notice that your home’s surfaces are constantly dusty, even after regular cleaning, it could be a sign that your air ducts need cleaning. Dirty air ducts can circulate dust and debris throughout your home, resulting in excessive dust buildup on surfaces.
2. Poor Air Quality: If you or anyone in your household is experiencing respiratory issues like allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems, it could be due to poor air quality caused by dirty air ducts. The accumulation of dirt, dust, and other pollutants can lead to poor indoor air quality, which can have a significant impact on your health.
3. Unpleasant Odors: If you notice a musty or stale smell in your home that won’t go away, it could be due to dirty air ducts. Dirt and debris buildup in your ducts can create unpleasant odors that are circulated throughout your home.
4. Inefficient HVAC System: If your HVAC system is not performing as well as it used to, it could be due to dirty air ducts. The accumulation of dirt and debris can restrict airflow, making it harder for your system to heat or cool your home efficiently.
5. Pest Infestations: If you notice an increase in pests like rodents, insects, or other small animals in your home, it could be due to dirty air ducts. Pests can enter your home through duct openings, and if your ducts are dirty, they can find a comfortable place to live and breed.

Specks of Dust

You may notice dust coming out from your air registers when you turn on your HVAC system. This is an obvious sign that there might be more dust inside. This is because, ideally, when you turn on your HVAC, the air ducts should not emit visible debris.

If you have already cleaned the registers inside and out, but dust still keeps coming out, then it’s most likely due to internal dust trapped within the air ducts.

Mould Growth

Check for mildew or moulds growing on the air registers. You may see grey, brown, or black spots or stains. When this happens, it is most likely that a larger mould problem is present inside that would mean a lengthy and thorough cleanup.

Unusual Odour

Another way to know that your air ducts are collecting dust and debris is through odour. If you smell that something is “off” around your home and you’ve searched everywhere but cannot find any signs of possible source, then it might be that the cause is within your air duct system.

Clogged Air Filter

When you see that the reusable air filter from your HVAC system is already filthy, that’s a sure sign that you need air duct cleaning.

Dirty Interiors and AC Coil

If you notice that the interior parts and AC coils are already clogged with dirt, dust, mould, and small debris, it’s an indication that your HVAC has a lot of dust trapped within and has already begun to move to your air ducts. There is no doubt that you should start cleaning your air ducts and your HVAC system.

Inconsistent Air Flow

When you open your HVAC system and notice that the air keeps on flowing from some of the air registers in specific rooms but not in the other rooms, then this could probably be a sign that particles and dust have started obstructing your air duct system.

This can possibly be because you have ripped or damaged ducts, so call an HVAC specialist to check your HVAC system and air ducts.

Visible Debris

Remove your air register and check if you see pet dander, dust, and other small debris trapped inside the duct’s end. This is a sure sign that your air ducts are clogged. So the best way to confirm is to remove the visible dust and dirt and see if it will occur again sometime later. If yes, you definitely need to call for a professional cleaning service.

How often do air ducts need to be cleaned?

The frequency of air duct cleaning depends on several factors, such as the size of your home, the number of occupants, the presence of pets, and other environmental factors. Generally, it is recommended to have your air ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years. However, if you or someone in your household suffers from allergies or respiratory problems, or if you have pets or live in an area with high levels of air pollution, you may need to have your air ducts cleaned more frequently.

It is also important to have your air ducts inspected regularly by a professional to determine whether they need cleaning. A professional HVAC technician can check for signs of dirt, debris, and other pollutants in your ducts and recommend the appropriate course of action. Additionally, if you notice any of the signs mentioned above, you should schedule a professional air duct cleaning service as soon as possible.

Conclusion

One of the things you need to do is to look for signs of dust, debris, or even mould growth in your HVAC system. You should also try to observe whether your allergies are persistent, even if the weather is fine. It’s best to always check your HVAC system and your air ducts and make sure that they are not clogged.

Can Do Duct Cleaning offers reliable duct cleaning in Markham, Ontario. Our professionalism, experience, and high-quality equipment make us the best choice for duct cleaning services in the region. Contact us today!