Clean air ducts are essential for maintaining a comfortable, healthy indoor atmosphere. Your ductwork can become dirty or clogged by debris such as dust, dander, pollen, and other airborne contaminants. While some issues can be solved with a DIY approach, most require professional services to prevent damage and discomfort. This article explores the top signs that it’s time to call the experts for air duct cleaning services!

1. Your Air Filters Become Clogged Quickly

While changing your air filters regularly is normal (and important), needing to replace them after just a few days or a couple of weeks may indicate a deeper problem. As dust, dander, and other debris collect in your ducts, they can contribute to quicker-than-normal filter replacements. All that debris in your ducts gets blown into filters, alongside outdoor debris, quickly clogging them. Consider professional duct cleaning to save money on filters and prevent overworking your HVAC unit.

We recommend replacing your filters every two months to prevent HVAC inefficiency and poor air quality. If your filters become clogged more frequently than this, a professional HVAC contractor can perform the necessary inspections, duct cleaning, and filter replacements to keep your home’s system working optimally!

2. Your Ducts Have an Unpleasant Odor

Foul odors are always a sign of trouble. If you notice unpleasant smells coming from your duct system, it’s a safe bet that they need cleaning. You can test this by sniffing near the air registers to learn whether the smell is coming from your duct system or elsewhere. An HVAC technician can also conduct thorough inspections of your ductwork to discover where the smell is coming from and what is causing it. 

Foul odors are a common sign of bacteria growth, underscoring the importance of prompt duct cleaning to improve air quality. Don’t wait until the situation worsens. Call a professional like ProFlo to restore your ductwork and a healthy atmosphere.

3. You Notice Mold or Mildew in Your HVAC System

While dust and dander are the leading culprits in a dirty HVAC system, mold and mildew can also be the source of foul smells. These spore-producing lifeforms thrive in moist environments, which can often exist within your ductwork, especially if you live in a humid region. Mold and mildew produce allergens and exacerbate respiratory conditions, posing health risks to you and your family. Air duct cleaning from a trusted professional eliminates mold and mildew, leaving your home feeling and smelling fresh!

4. Your Energy Costs Are Higher Than Usual

Heating and cooling bills are known to experience minor fluctuations throughout the year, but they should stay reasonably stable. If you notice a sudden spike in energy costs, the odds are that you have an HVAC problem. If your ductwork is blocked, the air can’t flow through easily, which forces your HVAC unit to work harder than it should. The harder it works, the more energy it uses, and the higher your bills are! Air duct cleaning is the only solution.

5. You Notice Unusual Noises When Your HVAC Turns On

Like odors, odd noises are a sure sign of HVAC issues. They can indicate many things, from faulty components to clogged filters or an overworked unit. While noises coming from your HVAC unit are normal and simply a sign that your system is running, your ductwork is one area that shouldn’t make noises. If you hear strange sounds coming from your ducts when you turn on your heater or AC unit, you’ll want to get an expert technician in ASAP to inspect them for potential problems.

If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, ProFlo can help! We provide efficient air duct cleaning and other HVAC maintenance to keep your home working optimally. Our HVAC technicians can thoroughly inspect your home to identify any potential problems or complete preventative maintenance to prolong your HVAC’s lifespan and functionality. Call us today at 951-694-1300 or contact us online to schedule an in-person assessment.