What would you do without your HVAC system? Those cold winters and hot summers would be a little more challenging without it.
However, through constant use, wear and tear are inevitable. That’s why it’s essential to have a regularly maintained unit.
One area, in particular, is the air ducts. They help keep the indoor air quality clean, so your household doesn’t have issues.
But they get dirty over time, and you’ll have to clean them. Before you tackle that task, there are a few air duct maintenance mistakes you should try to avoid. Take a look at them below.
1. Using the Wrong Tools to Clean Air Ducts
If you’re planning on cleaning the air ducts yourself, you’ll have to consider the parts used. Why? That’s because you don’t want to use the wrong tools for the job.
You might do more harm than good and cause air duct damage. Furthermore, your air duct maintenance costs will skyrocket because you’ll have to factor in repairs on top of cleaning.
2. Not Cleaning Air Ducts At All
Cleaning air ducts can be a pain. But neglecting to clean them can be detrimental to your home.
Dust, debris, and other particles can gather in your air ducts over time and can hinder indoor air quality. They’ll also increase heating and cooling costs since your HVAC unit is working twice as hard to meet your demands.
How do you know if your air ducts need cleaning? Look out for signs such as:
- Higher energy bills
- Dust on your vents
- Unpleasant odors around your home
- Mold or mildew near your HVAC system
3. Hiring the Wrong Air Duct Cleaning Service
When you don’t want to clean air ducts, the next option is to hire a cleaning service to do it for you. But you should take caution when doing so because some providers might try and steal your money without doing a good job.
Excellent air duct cleaning services will:
- Detect issues early on
- Tell you if the ducts need repairs
- Provide a thorough report about the areas that were cleaned
To find a reputable service, search “air duct cleaning near me.” Then read reviews to see what past customers have said about the company.
4. Overcleaning the Ducts
There’s a common misconception that air ducts need a cleaning every year. While staying on top of your HVAC maintenance is good, air ducts only require cleaning every three to five years.
However, certain factors can increase the frequency of cleaning, such as:
- Pets that shed a lot
- Smokers present in the household
- Signs of water contamination
Get your air ducts inspected annually for an update on their status. Then if cleaning is necessary, take action.
Avoid These Air Duct Maintenance Mistakes
The air duct maintenance mistakes listed above are common ones that most homeowners make. But by following our guide, you can avoid them and have a well-balanced HVAC system for your home.
After reading this article, we hope you’re ready to give your air ducts a good clean. For related content, feel free to check out our blog.