When it comes to your AC system, it’s easy to think of it as a self-sustaining appliance. But keeping your air conditioner running actually requires a lot of HVAC maintenance. There are several components of the system that need to be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that your AC runs efficiently and without issue, one of which is the ductwork.
Your home’s air ducts can collect a lot of dust, hair and other debris over time, which can lead to poor air quality and inefficient cooling. That’s why you may need to get them cleaned every few years. But how do you know if your air ducts need to be cleaned? The experts at Barker’s Heating and Cooling have compiled a list of signs that you need your ductwork cleaned:
Dusty Vent Covers
If you’re unsure about the condition of your ductwork, start by taking a moment to inspect your vent covers and return air registers. While they’ll likely look pretty clean from the outside, you may find that the inside of the vent covers is full of dust and debris. This is a good indicator of the rest of your ductwork because the duct came from within the HVAC system. You can also take this opportunity to shine a flashlight into the air ducts and access the condition.
Dirty Air Filters
As a homeowner, you’re probably aware that you’re supposed to change your HVAC system’s air filter regularly. While this is an incredibly forgettable task, it’s also an essential part of keeping dust and debris out of the system in the first place. You should check your standard air filter monthly and replace it as needed — typically every one to three months. If you check your air filter and it’s completely clogged with dust, there’s likely more debris that has already made it into the ductwork.
Dust Buildup on HVAC Parts
Your HVAC system may be largely invisible to you, but there are a couple of places you can see that will tell you how clean the entire system is. You may need to remove a couple of panels to do so, but take a look at your furnace blower motor (which also runs when the AC is on) and the evaporator coils. If these parts are covered in dust, you’ve got quite a bit of buildup in your ductwork. The more debris there is, the worse of a problem you have!
Other Signs of Dirty Ductwork
While visible duct, hair and dander are the biggest indicators that your ductwork needs to be cleaned, you may notice some other signs, including:
- Low airflow from the vents
- Inadequate cooling (from low airflow)
- Abnormal amounts of dust around your home
- Poor air quality that causes “indoor allergies”
If you suspect that your ductwork needs cleaning, call on Barker’s Heating and Cooling, the College Station air conditioning pros, for an inspection. We’ll send one of our licensed technicians to inspect your ductwork and clean it. Then, we can help you put an air duct maintenance plan in place to prevent buildup in the future.
