As a homeowner, you understand the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy home. But did you know that your air ducts have a major part in the overall cleanliness of your home? Air ducts are responsible for circulating the air throughout your home; over time, they can become filled with dust, soot, and other allergens.

While it’s important to have your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis, there are a few key signs that indicate it’s time to schedule an appointment with a professional. Read on to learn five of the most common signs that it’s time for an Air duct cleaning.

1. Your Home is Dusty

One of the most obvious signs that it’s time to clean your air ducts is if your home seems excessively dusty. If you find yourself dusting more often than usual or notice that the surfaces in your house are constantly covered in a thin layer of dust, it’s likely that your air ducts are full of dust and debris. A professional air duct cleaning near me will remove all of the build-ups in your ductwork and help improve air quality in your residence.

2. You’re Experiencing Allergy Symptoms

If you or someone in your family starts experiencing allergy symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing, or congestion out of nowhere, it could be due to dirty air ducts. Dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander can all accumulate in your ductwork over time and eventually be circulated throughout your home whenever your furnace or AC kicks on. If you suspect that dirty air ducts are to blame for your allergy symptoms, scheduling a professional cleaning can help resolve the issue.

3. There’s Visible Mold or Mildew

Another sign that it might be time for an air duct cleaning is if you notice visible mold or mildew inside your vents or other areas of your HVAC system. Mold and mildew thrive in dark and humid environments, so they’re often found in HVAC systems that haven’t been properly maintained. If left untreated, mold and mildew can cause serious respiratory issues and other health problems, so it’s important to have them removed as soon as possible.

4. You Notice Strange Noises Coming from Your Vents

If you start hearing strange noises coming from your vents—like banging, scratching, or squeaking—it’s usually a sign that there’s something caught in your ductwork. Small animals like rodents and birds sometimes enter homes through open vents in search of shelter during the colder months. Once they’re inside, they often build nests inside people’s homes which can eventually lead to clogged vents and decreased airflow.

5. Higher than Normal Energy Bills

Surprisingly, one of the most common signs that it’s time for an air duct cleaning is higher than normal energy bills. When dust and debris build up inside your HVAC system, it has to work harder to circulate air throughout your home, which ultimately uses more energy and drives up your utility bills.

Conclusion

Overall, there are many different signs that indicate it might be time for an air duct cleaning . From higher-than-normal energy bills to excessive dust accumulation, paying attention to both big and small changes in your residence can help you determine when it’s time to contact a professional. By scheduling regular cleanings, you can rest assured knowing that your air ducts are clean and functioning properly.