If your home has a central HVAC system, you likely have ductwork throughout your attic and maybe even in your basement, crawlspace, or garage. You should know that those air ducts can accumulate a shocking amount of debris over time, especially when you don’t have them professionally cleaned on a regular basis. And while having debris buildup inside your ducts is totally normal, when it becomes excessive, it’s not great for your health or your HVAC system’s efficiency.
If you haven’t scheduled professional duct cleaning in quite some time — or if you’ve never had it done — understand there may be some very off-putting stuff in there. Read on to learn all about what you might find.
1. Extreme Dust and Debris Accumulation
Chances are it’s tough for you to get a good look inside your dirty ductwork. But if you could see what’s in there, you might be repulsed by the amount of gunk that’s likely caking the interior walls of each duct.
While your HVAC filters can prevent a considerable amount of dust and debris from entering the duct system, they can’t stop all of it. That’s especially true if you use the cheaper, lower-quality filters with loose weaves. Those filters can’t trap many of the small particles that your air intake sucks in, which means they travel directly through the filter’s weave and into the duct system.
Over time, all that particulate matter either settles on the bottom portion of the duct or builds up along the air ducts’ walls. If it’s been years since your last cleaning, your ducts could be packed with inches of dust and debris buildup. That buildup hampers airflow through the system, which not only decreases its efficiency but can also reduce the lifespan of your a/c and heating units.
2. Insects
Not a fan of spiders, ants, or cockroaches? How do you feel about having them inside your home? If the idea of a bug infestation grosses you out, you should know that if your ducts are filthy, they might be harboring more than a few insects. And if that’s true, they’re also harboring more than a few dead bugs, and more than likely, a substantial amount of insect feces.
Without a professional duct cleaning appointment, bugs in your air ducts could even invade the rest of your home. If you know your ducts haven’t been cleaned in some time, it’s in your best interest to schedule a deep cleaning appointment that’ll ensure they’re completely free of all debris. That way, you won’t inadvertently encourage an insect infestation and will also help improve your heating and cooling efficiency.
3. Small Pests
Yes, mice and other small rodents can find their way inside your duct system, especially if it’s old and mildly or moderately deteriorated. This isn’t a common issue, but it does occur, and when left unchecked, can lead to infestations and/or HVAC efficiency issues.
If you’ve ever heard what sounds like the pitter-patter of small feet in your ceiling or within your walls, the sound may have come from critters moving through your air ducts. To find out if that's true, schedule an air duct cleaning appointment with a professional. A pro will not only take a look inside your ducts with a specialized camera but will also clean your entire duct system thoroughly.
If you do have pests in the system, a pro will let you know and can also alert you to any duct leaks or damage that may have allowed them to gain entry. You’ll likely also need to hire an exterminator to eradicate the existing pests and prevent others from entering in the future.
Get a Free Air Duct Cleaning Quote in the Twin Cities
Think your ductwork might be overdue for a cleaning? Then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Dust Doctors! We provide comprehensive duct cleaning service throughout the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul metro, and you won’t find our highly effective, specialized cleaning techniques or tools anywhere else. Check out our before and after gallery to see what we do!
Feel free to give us a call at 651-319-9777 to learn more about our services or request a free quote online, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
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