(View as a downloadable PDF version)
If the ductwork in your home harbors dirt, dust, bacteria, and other issues that affect its cleanliness, it will affect the overall health of your home. So what are the signs that your ductwork needs cleaning? Keep an eye out for these four signs:
Strange Odors Coming From Air Vents
When your heater or air conditioner turns on, have you noticed a funky smell? As bacteria and dirt build up in your ductwork, it can create a “dirty sock” type smell, which is unpleasant and unhealthy for your indoor air.
Increase in Dust in Your Home
If your ducts have dust, so will the surfaces in your home! Once dust and dirt enter your living space (usually through holes and leaks in your ductwork), they will recirculate over and over again. Your ductwork will spit dust out of your vents, settling throughout the surface in your home,
Worsening Seasonal Allergy-Like Symptoms
With an increase in indoor air contaminants and allergens, you may start experiencing more allergy symptoms in your home, no matter the season. Dirty air ducts can cause symptoms like:
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Dry and itchy eyes
- Post nasal drip
- Coughing
Increasing Energy Costs
Ductwork can become dirty thanks to leaks that are common in poorly-designed ductwork. These leaks will affect the efficiency of your central heating and cooling system, causing high energy bills.
