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Unlike other parts of your home, you don't have to have your ducts cleaned at specific intervals. Rather, you should clean them whenever they get dirty and full of air polluting debris. You may hit that point twice in one year or you may not hit it at all for a couple of years. Usually, people suspect poor indoor air quality when a foul odor fills their home or when they suddenly develop allergies or breathing problems within their own home. Read over the following recommendations to know when to call a duct cleaning company.
First: Check Your Air Filter
Whatever dirt is on it is only a small portion of the amount of dust in your return air duct. If you think it's very dirty, then it'd be safe to say that could have your ducts inspected. Now would also be a good time to replace or clean the filter.
Second: Check Your Return Air Vents
If they are on the floor, lift one out and look inside with a flashlight. It should probably be pretty dusty in there, that's typical. This is the part of your duct system that draws the air from the house back to the furnace before it is cleaned, re-conditioned, and circulated back into the home. If your return air vents are screwed onto the wall, then it's easier to just look closely at the vent. If you see that it's covered in dust, then that's only a small portion of what's inside the air ducts.
Third: Check Your Heating Vents
These are almost always on the floor, so the vents should be easy to lift out. Look inside. If you see any dirt or cobwebs in there at all, then you should get your ducts cleaned.
Things to Pay Attention To:
- When your furnace is on, do you smell any unpleasant odours, poor airflow or cold spots.
- Does anyone in the house have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems?
- Does anyone in your family suffer from headaches, nasal congestion, or other sinus problems at night or in the morning?
- Is there or was there ever a smoker in the house?
- Do you have or was there ever a dog, cats or other pets in the house?
- Do you notice "musty" or "stale" odors when the furnace or air conditioner runs?
- Do you notice dust on the furniture shortly after cleaning?
- Does it seem like there is not enough air flow coming from your vents?
If you answer "yes" to any of the above questions, you should seriously consider scheduling an appointment with a Licensed Duct Cleaning Processional. When seeking a prospective duct cleaning service providers, make sure that they're experienced and have seen systems similar to yours.
Find your Next Duct Cleaning Service on KWContractor.com, for a selection of qualified, professional Duct Cleaning Contractors.
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