Dust that comes back the day after you clean, musty smells and uneven airflow are all clues. Seven signs worth checking.
Your ductwork is out of sight, so it is easy to forget. But every bit of air your furnace heats or your AC cools travels through those ducts before it reaches you. When they are dirty, the dust inside gets blown back into your rooms every time the system runs.
1. Dust comes back right after you clean
If you dust the shelves and they look grey again a day or two later, your ducts may be recirculating dust faster than you can remove it.
2. Visible dust around the vents
Take a vent cover off and look inside with a flashlight. A layer of dust, hair or debris on the inside of the duct is a clear sign.
3. Musty or stale smells
A stale smell when the furnace or AC kicks on often comes from dust and debris sitting in the ductwork.
4. Allergy symptoms that are worse at home
If sneezing or a stuffy nose improves when you leave the house, the air inside may be carrying more dust, dander and pollen than it should.
5. Uneven airflow
Some rooms get plenty of air while others barely get any. Heavy buildup in a duct run can restrict how much air reaches the far end.
6. You've never had them cleaned
If you've lived in the home for years, or bought it without knowing its history, there is likely years of buildup in the system.
7. Recent renovation or a new pet
Construction dust and pet hair both end up in the ductwork quickly, even with a good filter.
What to do next
If two or more of these sound familiar, a professional duct cleaning is worth booking. We use high-powered vacuum equipment and agitation tools to clean every supply and return vent. For one furnace, the job typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Call 403-651-5895 for a free quote.
All posts