It’s relatively easy to determine if your air ducts are dirty. Simply open the vent covers and see if there is any dust, dirt or debris. You can also look at the air filter to see if it’s clogged with dust. If you change your air filters regularly, they should have little to no dust build-up. You can also look at your furnace and air conditioner. The heat exchanger surface of the furnace should be visibly clean, and the blower blades should be free of oil and debris. The blower compartment should also be free of dust and other debris. The air conditioner coils should be checked for signs of dust. Test it by shining a flashlight through it. You should be able to see light coming through to the other side of the cooling coil. The coil fins should also be straight and evenly spaced. You can also check to make sure the coil drain is draining properly.

Signs Your Air Ducts are Dirty & Need Cleaning

Constant Need to Dust – If you find you are constantly dusting you may need to have your air ducts cleaned. Dirty air ducts will constantly blow dust into your home.
Rising Energy Costs – If your energy bills are rising it may be due to dirty air ducts. Dirty air ducts make it hard for your HVAC system to circulate air through your home. The system needs to operate longer to heat or cool your home causing your energy bill to rise.
Odor from Air Vents – If you smell a mildew odor coming from the vents, it’s another indication that your air ducts may need to be cleaned. Air ducts free of mold or mildew growth will eliminate this odor.

Caring for Air Ducts Between Professional Cleanings

There are steps you can take to keep your air ducts as clean as possible between cleanings.
• Dust and vacuum your home regularly
• Make sure vents have the right filters
• Change the air filters regularly
• Monitor the coiling coils
• Ensure ducts are sealed properly
How often your air ducts need to be cleaned will depend on a few factors. Do you live in a dusty environment? Do you have pets? Do you run your HVAC more frequently than others?

Poor Indoor Air Quality Symptoms

Did you know that the air in your home can be far more polluted that the air outdoors? Today’s tightly sealed homes make that a reality, making air duct cleaning very important. Your health can tell you if the air in your home is less than healthy. Symptoms of poor indoor air quality include sneezing, congestion, headache, watery eyes and frequent nosebleeds. Pay attention to when these symptoms start. It might not be weather changes that are causing them. Add toxic mold spores, the off-gassing of various hazardous chemicals and asbestos – the health consequences can be far more extreme. Clean air ducts help to ensure that the air in your home is clean and free of pollutants.

Air Duct Cleaning Services & More in Cambridge, St. Francis, Oak Grove, North Branch & Greater Isanti, Minnesota

Does your home’s indoor air quality need professional help? Contact North Country Aire for an inspection and to see discuss how air duct cleaning can help. Give us a call today!