Having dirty ducts can reduce air quality and airflow through your North San Diego home. But how can you accurately detect when your A/C ducts need a cleaning? Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that let you know when it’s time to take action.
Signs of Dirty A/C Ducts
- Use your eyes and ears: When you turn on your air conditioning system, watch your vents closely. If your system coughs up dust, you can be sure even more debris is caught up in your HVAC system. The vents themselves can also be a guide. A buildup of dust particles, pet hair and other airborne filth on or around the floor, wall and ceiling vents is further proof of a need to clean. Listening to your A/C ducts while they’re in operation can tell a similar tale. Whistling, rattling or general noise can be an indication of blockage in your A/C ducts. If your ducts are clean, the only thing you should hear is the blowing and hum of the blower motor.
- Check your filters: One obvious way to check the cleanliness of your ducts is to look closely at your air filters. A blocked filter could mean its time to clean your ducts. If you clean or replace your filters and another buildup happens in a short period of time, it’s a sure bet your ducts need a thorough cleaning.
- Adequate airflow: Regardless of the settings on your HVAC system, you should be able to feel some level of airflow around your vents. Check the vents on your home’s extremities. If airflow is low or non-existent, your ducts may be clogged. Floor vents are quite susceptible to small items and toys like Lego. Make sure you remove any garbage that builds up from foot traffic to keep air flowing.
- Professional advice: When all else fails, seek the help of an HVAC professional. These pros have the tools that can access the interior of your ducts, and verify if a proper cleaning is needed.
