You might have noticed that your electricity and gas bills are rising and are not sure why. Otherwise, you maybe noticed an odor coming from your vents. If so, it may be time to inspect your system and have your air ducts maintained.  

1. Why is it important to maintain my HVAC ducts?

If too much dust accumulates in them, they could obstruct airflow. Your air conditioner and heater could require more energy to run when this happens. This decreased efficiency will cost you money. Loose dirt, pet dander, pollen and other substances could also flow back into the air. This results in sneezing, coughing or other allergy symptoms for many people.

You also need to beware of carbon monoxide. Exposure to it increases when running heaters that have not been maintained in a while. With air conditioners, you will want to make sure it does not have any coolant leaks that also reduces indoor air quality.

2. What happens to my air ducts over time?

The debris build-up eventually will weigh down your heating and cooling lines. This causes pressure that could crack the ducts, leaving openings for water to enter. Mold thrives off these wet conditions. Any food crumbs or grease that fell into vents will also become a breeding ground for both mold and bacteria.

Mice, roaches, ants and other vermin will also congregate around edible particles residing in your HVAC systems. Contaminants present in your heating and cooling pipes will eventually circulate into the air you breathe inside your home. This results in breathing problems, excess coughing and sinus problems. Respiratory diseases, asthma attacks and pneumonia could also occur if too many substances circulate from your HVAC systems back into the air.

3. What can I do to maintain them? 

Inspect heating and cooling systems regularly. Have them tested for mold, and make sure your air conditioner is not leaking coolant. Even if you have a carbon monoxide tester, it’s best to have a professional verify that there are zero CO particles present.

Have air filters checked, and clean or replace them as often as possible too. Machine tests also can determine what type of mold is residing in your air ducts, if any is present. Additionally, any underlying causes of mold growth need to be addressed, such as water leaks near air hoses. 

Has it been a while since your air ducts were tested? If so, contact Guaranteed Heating & Cooling for an inspection today.