Have you noticed dust coming from the AC vents in your home when you turn on your HVAC unit? If so, it’s probably because your AC ducts are dirty—and dirty AC ducts can cause a list of problems in your home. However, routine cleaning of AC ducts and generally maintaining your HVAC system will not only prevent these problems but can also increase energy efficiency and improve the air quality in your home. Because you don’t see the inside of your air ducts every day, it may be difficult to tell when your system could use a cleaning. We help you relax and take a deep (clean) breath, the experts at Shield Air ™ Abu Dhabi have come up with five signs to look for when determining if your HVAC Duct system needs to be cleaned.
Spikes in your Utility Bills
If you notice an increase in your utility bill, and there’s no explanation for the peak, your HVAC system may be dirty, which reduces the system’s efficiency. For example, when dirt and dust accumulation restrict airflow, the system won’t be able to circulate warmed or cooled air throughout your home adequately. Leaking ducts can also cause heated or cooled air to escape through the gaps in your duct-work, forcing your HVAC system to run longer and use more energy.
Getting your air ducts cleaned can reduce your energy bills. When your HVAC system is cleaned, and leaks are fixed, your system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home at your desired temperature, so you’ll use less energy and improve cost-effectiveness.
Dirt and Debris Around your Vent
The National Air Duct Cleaning Association’s (NADCA) rule of thumb is “If your air ducts look dirty, they probably are.” Similarly, if you notice dust and debris around your vents, your HVAC system likely has high amounts of contaminants circulating through the air ducts. When this occurs, it doesn’t only make your home dusty, but your health can be negatively impacted as well.
Allergies
If you or your family members are having unexplained or worsened allergy, sinus, asthma, or other respiratory problems, excessive allergens, and pollutants in your HVAC system may be the cause of the problem. According to NADCA, your HVAC system pulls contaminants through your home five to seven times per day, exposing you to allergens each time. Cleaning your air ducts can significantly improve the health ailments triggered by poor indoor air quality.
Mold Growth
Mold can grow anywhere, and it’s especially common if you live in a humid climatic conditions like in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Mold exposure in homes has been linked to many health issues like throat irritation, eye irritation, coughing or wheezing, and in some cases, skin irritation.People with mold allergies may also have more severe reactions.Mold grows and spreads through spores, which can be picked up by your HVAC systemand circulated around your home, promoting further growth. If you see visible mold growth inside your air ducts, on other components of your cooling system, or elsewhere in your home, contact an indoor air professional immediately.
Factors that Increase the Need for AC Duct Cleaning:
Pets
People with allergies or asthma
Cigarette or cigar smoke
Water damage contamination that has impacted your HVAC system
Home renovation or remodeling projects
How Your Ducts are Cleaned
The professionals at Shield Air™ Abu Dhabi will provide you with an expert cleaning that no homeowner could accomplish on his or her own. When a ShieldAir technician visits your home, they will thoroughly inspect your air ducts and HVAC system. This in-depth inspection will enable our professionals to identify any problem areas and provide the specialized cleaning your HVAC system needs. Preventative maintenance, such as cleaning your AC ducts and HVAC system, will help keep your system working correctly and your energy bills down, and because cleaning your air ducts isn’t a do-it-yourself project, it’s essential to hire a professional, so contact the experts at Shield Air ™ today to ensure a job well done.