Your HVAC system runs year-round to keep your Mascoutah, IL home comfortable, and your air ducts are key to making sure that comfort reaches every room. Over time, however, those ducts can collect dust, allergens, mold spores, and other debris that affect both system performance and indoor air quality. While air ducts don’t need to be cleaned as frequently as other parts of your HVAC system, neglecting them for too long can lead to a range of problems. So how do you know when it’s time to schedule a professional air duct cleaning?
Signs Your Air Ducts Need Attention
- Visible Dust and Debris Around Vents: If you notice a layer of dust on the grilles of your air vents, or you see particles being released into the air when your HVAC system kicks on, it’s a strong indicator that your ducts are clogged with debris. This dust doesn’t just sit in your vents—it circulates throughout your home, affecting air quality and triggering allergies.
- Increased Allergy Symptoms or Respiratory Issues: Indoor air quality plays a major role in your health. If you or someone in your household has been experiencing worsening allergy symptoms, asthma flare-ups, or frequent respiratory infections, your air ducts might be part of the problem. Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores can build up in your ducts and recirculate every time your system runs.
- Unexplained Moldy or Musty Smells: A persistent musty odor in your Mascoutah, IL home could be coming from mold inside your ductwork. Excess moisture in your HVAC system can lead to mold growth, particularly in damp areas like basements or humid climates. Not only can this damage your system, but it may also impact your health.
- Signs of Rodents or Insects: Have you seen droppings, nesting materials, or signs of insects near your vents? Rodents and insects can sneak into your ductwork, leaving waste and contaminants that compromise the quality of the air flowing throughout your home. If you suspect an infestation, it’s important to address it quickly and schedule a duct cleaning after extermination.
- Irregular Airflow or Poor HVAC Efficiency: Uneven heating or cooling in your home, increased energy bills, or weak airflow through vents may point to blockages in your duct system. Built-up dust and debris can restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder and costing you more on your utility bills.
How Often Should Ducts Be Cleaned?
While there’s no universal timeline, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends having your air ducts inspected every 2–3 years and cleaned as needed. Homes with pets, smokers, recent renovations, or residents with allergies may need more frequent cleanings.
Live in Mascoutah, IL? Need your air ducts cleaned out? Call Allstar Carpet & Upholstery.