Here’s the Top 4 Causes of Dirt Build-up in Air Ducts
Having clean air ducts is a must for any homeowner. Clean indoor air is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy and comfortable home. But the question many homeowners ask is: “How do air ducts get dirty in the first place?”
There is a variety of factors affecting the state of your air ducts, and in this article, we will cover the top four culprits of dirty ducts.
Causes of Dirt Build-up in Air Ducts
Homeowners are often surprised to discover just how dirty and dust-filled their air ducts are when we offer an inspection prior to cleaning. Because it is hidden, the HVAC system often does not attention from a lot of homeowners. It may seem like the dirt build-up in the air ducts happened overnight. However, that is not the case. There are different causes that contribute to dirt and dust build-up in the ducts that can happen quickly or over the course of a long time.
1. Home Renovation and Construction
The quickest way for dirt build-up in the air ducts is during home renovations and construction. During this time, there is a lot of debris and dust in the air that gets into your duct system. The bigger the construction project, the heavier the dirt build-up. So, if you complete a lengthy construction, make sure your ducts get professionally cleaned.
Keep in mind that even construction work next to your home might affect the condition of your HVAC system. Whenever you notice excessive dust around your house – whether outside or inside – remember that some of it eventually ends up circulating and building up in the air ducts.
2. Pets
Pets, especially dogs and cats, can be a source of excessive dirt, dander, and hair build-up in air ducts. Pets shed hair that gathers up in the duct system as it gets bloom throughout the house. Of course, every HVAC system gets dirty over time, but pets speed up this process. In addition to pet hair shedding and dander, pets also track more dirt throughout the home as they move in and out from outside.
Pet hair and dander build-up in the duct system can be a significant source of allergens and irritants in your indoor air for residents and guests. If you have pets, we recommend cleaning your HVAC system more often than otherwise to prevent any build-up that could have negative health effects.
3. Smoking
As you may already know, smoke travels all throughout your house and can stick around for a long time. Smoke leaves a sticky substance on the walls of the HVAC system, which builds up over time in the ducts.
Since tobacco affects indoor air quality, it is important to keep the air ducts clean. Prevent the excessive smoke build-up in the house and ensure that pollutants don’t stay in the HVAC system for a long time. Additionally, if you have a hard time getting rid of the cigarette smell from your house, cleaning air ducts can be a good way to solve this issue.
4. Outdoor Air Quality
Living in busy cities or near highways or factories contributes to poor outdoor air quality. Additionally, people that live in areas affected by wildfires also experience poor air quality throughout the hotter and drier months of the year. Poor air quality from smoke, air pollution, etc. influences dirt and irritant build-up in the air ducts and filters. Check the air quality in your area, and use that to schedule your next air duct cleaning.
When outdoor air quality is low, it is especially important to maintain high indoor air quality. This will eventually have a positive impact on your health, comfort, well-being and minimize the dirt in your HVAC system.
4 Major Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
It is not easy to tell if your air ducts need to be cleaned. People don’t really check their air ducts unless they notice excessive dust build-up or allergy symptoms while in the home. However, if you pay attention to these indicators, you will be able to tell if your air ducts should be cleaned anytime soon:
There is excessive dust build-up on the surfaces around your house.
There are signs of mold in your home.
You notice a strange and musty odor.
There are mouse droppings or other signs of pest infestation.
All of these signs can be caused by poor ventilation and build-up in the air ducts.
Regardless of the cause, every HVAC system gets dirty over time and needs a professional cleaning once in a while. Give us a call to schedule an inspection or full service air duct cleaning.
