What causes dirty air ducts?

What causes dirty air ducts?

Inside your HVAC system, fine dust collects on air duct surfaces, vents, motors and coils. Flakes of dead skin, hair and pet dander catch onto the dust, and before too long this process creates a dense, mat-like environment where bacteria, mold, dust mites and allergens can flourish.

How often do air ducts need to be cleaned?

every three to five years
The recommendation for air duct cleaning is every three to five years.

Why is black dust coming out of my vents?

The black dust coming out of your vents could be soot, which is the byproduct of burning a candle or using the fireplace. Because your AC is constantly sucking in air from your home to be cooled, it can pull in soot and blow it back into your home. One way to check if soot is the culprit is to check your air filter.

Will Duct cleaning improve the airflow?

Ductwork cleaning does not improve air flow (and can actually help impede it), does not permanently remove mold or odors, and, depending on the type of ductwork, actually cause damage. Consult a certified HVAC specialist to determine the best solution to maintain your ductwork.

What is the average cost to have ductwork cleaned?

The average cost of duct cleaning is $376, or between $269 and $489. Larger homes, or those with more ducts or contamination, might pay as much as $700. Clean your ducts every 5 to 7 years or as needed to help improve system efficiency.

What happens if you don’t clean your air ducts?

Over time, without proper air duct cleaning and maintenance, the moisture will start to grow mold and mildew. If you have moldy air ducts, that mold is going to be blown all through your home or business. Not only is this going to create a musty, unpleasant smell, but eventually people will start to get sick.

How do you know if you have mold in your air ducts?

Nausea, fatigue, dizziness and irritation of the nose and eyes are all telltale signs that you have mold in your air ducts. In warmer and more humid climates like Trussville’s, it’s quite easy for mold to grow, so you should heed these signs.

How do you clean soot from air ducts?

Dry Ice Blasting of Duct work Dry ice blasting –This process is especially good at removing soot, burnt plastics and other buildups left in duct work after a fire.

How much does it cost to have duct vents cleaned?

Can I clean air ducts myself?

When it comes to the nitty gritty, cleaning air ducts is not a do-it-yourself job. It requires tools, such as a high-powered vacuum and rotary brushes, that you don’t have lying around in the garage. In addition, an improper cleaning job could damage the ducts, resulting in expensive repairs.

Why does the house get so dusty?

Dust accumulation in your home is a product of airflow, either because too much dirty, dust-filled air is floating around your home or because not enough air is spreading through the home, allowing dust to settle.

How do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned?

11 Signs Your Ducts Should Be Cleaned

1. Vents & ducts are clogged with dust and debris.
2. Your air filters become clogged.
3. Unpleasant odor from ducts.
4. Mold & mildew presence inside or outside your HVAC system.
5. Unstable or poor airflow in the house.
6. Insects, rodents and other vermin infestation in your air ducts.

What causes air ducts to get dirty?

Air ducts naturally get dirty over time. They filter air into and out of the home consistently, so it’s common for dirt and dust to build up inside of them. Humid environments can facilitate mold growth in an air duct system, especially if the air conditioning has been shut off for an extended period and the home’s air has been allowed to warm.

What happens when your HVAC system gets dirty?

In the winter, dirt-clogged heat exchangers cannot warm the air as efficiently. In the summer, dirt-clogged condensing coils are unable to cool the air as well. These both increase the HVAC systems run time, requiring it to use more fuel and energy to heat and cool your home. Dirt and dust restrict air flow.

What happens when your air ducts go bad?

Individuals who live in intensely warm or cold areas are most likely to suffer the financial cost of poorly functioning air ducts and AC units. Dirty ducts can cause significant health problems, be home for unwanted vermin, worsen your home’s air quality, and raise utility bills.

Does air duct cleaning prevent health problems?

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space.