What is Lurking Inside Your Air Ducts?

This time of year most people are concerned with scary movies, haunted houses and other ‘things that go bump in the night.’

However, we’re here to warn you that what is outside of your home may not be as scary as what is lurking inside of your air ducts.

In fact, according to the EPA, levels of pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasionally 100 times greater than outdoors.

Indoor air pollution is an even greater concern than in the past as a majority of us spend up to 90% indoors.

While you may be able to see some of the dirt and dust that your air duct system is recirculating in your home, what you cannot see may be even scarier.

Bacteria, mold, dust mites and even insect and rodent populations may be lurking in your air ducts right now.

However, living with a dirty or contaminated air duct system is unnecessary with the advantages of whole-house duct cleaning.

Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

An air duct cleaning will help to remove contaminants from the recirculated air in your home. Because airborne contaminants and pollutants often aggravate respiratory conditions, an air duct cleaning may be most beneficial for those who suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory ailments.

A clean air duct system can also help your heating & cooling system last longer.

A quality duct cleaning will help remove contaminants from your entire cooling or ventilation system. Contaminants force your system to work harder and decrease its efficiency and lifespan.

How Frequently Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

According to Angie’s List and NADCA, the HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association, air ducts should be cleaned every 3-5 years depending on several factors including climate.

You should also consider an air duct cleaning anytime you:

• Complete a renovation or remodeling project
• Have pets at home who shed fur or dander
• Move into or build a new home

How to Tell If You Need to Clean Your Air Ducts

The best way to determine if you need your air ducts cleaned is by consulting with your HVAC technician. However, there a few telltale signs that your air ducts are scary enough to justify a cleaning:

1. You see insects crawling into or out of your air registers
2. A cloud of dust or debris puffs out of your registers when you turn on your heating or air
3. You are afraid to look inside of your air registers in case something becomes visible in the black
4. You’ve lived in your home for ten years and cannot remember having your air ducts cleaned

Want to learn more about your home? Make sure to visit our blog for more tips, tricks and information about your HVAC, Plumbing and Indoor Air Quality. If you live in our New Jersey service area and would like assistance with your home’s HVAC, Plumbing or Air Quality, please give A.J. Perri a call.