How to Know Whether Your Ducts Are Dirty

Posted by Lisa Pixley

Dirty ducts can have a larger effect than you may think. One of the main concerns about dirty ducts is that they can aggravate allergy symptoms or lead to asthma attacks, or even make people ill. And there are lots of people who say they notice a difference in their overall health after the ducts are cleaned.

One other concern is the operation of your heating and air conditioning systems. When the ducts are too dirty, airflow is actually restricted through the ducts, to an extent. That means you get less air coming into your home. And when you do, your air conditioner and heater may become worn out more quickly, and your monthly costs can go up.

Of course, it’s not easy to tell if your air ducts have a large buildup of dust and debris inside. So how do you know when to call for service?

  • Can you see anything in the vents? You could always shine a flashlight through the vents or remove the panel to get a look inside.
  • Is there mold? If there are signs of mold at the AC unit (it may collect on the coils) or around the vents, you should schedule professional services ASAP.
  • Have you remodeled recently? Often, people schedule duct cleaning right after a remodel. Although ducts should be sealed off during a remodel, there is usually a significant amount of dust with any job, and it’s a good idea to at least have them checked.
  • Do you notice smells? Whether its mildew or animal odors, have your ducts cleaned out as soon as you can.
  • When’s the last time you had duct cleaning? We recommend scheduling service every 3-5 years, especially if you have a larger household or commercial property.

Call the professionals at Alpha Air Corporation to get air duct cleaning from professional technicians in Minneapolis, MN.

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