Owning property could make you feel like Bob the Builder. As if errands weren’t enough, you have one problem popping up after another. Whether it’s pest control making you feel like you’re living in a nature documentary or the leaky faucet driving you nuts at night, it’s a never-ending fiesta.
But wait, have you wondered how often you should schedule an air duct inspection? Is it every month, year, leap year, or just when the allergies start to act up? And why is it even important?
Why Should You Schedule an Air Duct Inspection?
A well-maintained air duct system is essential for healthy living. Clean air ducts ensure the efficient distribution of cool or heated air in your space.
The following are the benefits an air duct inspection and maintenance:
- Improves airflow
- Elevates indoor air quality
- Heightens energy efficiency
- Relieves from allergy and asthma
- Extends HVAC system lifespan
- Reduces odour
- Enhances HVAC system performance
- Prevents mould growth
7 Factors Influencing the Frequency of Air Duct Inspections
Make an informed decision by considering the following aspects to determine the ideal time for an air duct inspection.
Environmental Conditions
Where you live, your surroundings and the climate play a huge role in how frequently you need an air duct inspection. It’s all about staying ahead of the game to keep your lungs happy and the air clean.
If you live in a bustling city with lots of traffic, pollution, or construction nearby, you should have your air ducts inspected by a cleaning company every three to six months to keep the system running smoothly.
Additionally, in regions prone to wildfires, frequent dust storms, or high humidity, air ducts are more likely to accumulate dust and debris, which also requires more frequent air duct inspection.
Read Out: Can Dirty Air Ducts Affect the Efficiency of My HVAC System
Allergy Season
While your air ducts may be out of sight, they shouldn’t be out of mind—especially if you have respiratory issues or allergies..
With well-maintained air ducts, you have pristine air quality, which helps reduce allergens. Although air ducts work behind the scenes to keep the air you breathe fresh, they have their weaknesses, and when it comes to allergies, they can be both your best friend and your worst enemy.
Neglected air ducts become full of dust, pollen, and other airborne villains waiting to attack your sinuses and start a sneezing spree. During pollen season, it’s important to get an air duct inspection.
Occupancy and Usage
Are you sharing your space with your furry friends? Or is it a workspace with plenty of foot traffic? The more occupants in your space the more you would need to increase the frequency of air duct inspections.
The more residents under your roof, the more contaminants enter the air ducts. Your HVAC system is likely full of little dust bunnies, hair, fur and dander.
So, without breaking a sweat (or a sneeze) get your system checked every two to three years if you have a large family, lot’s of pets or your space feels like a bustling 5-star resort.
System Type and Age
Over time, the HVAC system functions less efficiently — as any mechanical and electrical component would. The older the HVAC system, the more it enjoys accumulating dust and debris.
So, if you have an old system, or one that has a history of mould, blockage and pests, more frequent cleaning sessions for optimal performance. Besides that, you would have to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Every company has their own set of rules regarding the frequency of air duct inspection and maintenance.
Excessive Dust Or Debris
If you notice your allergies acting up, even when it’s not pollen season, chances are excessive dust, debris or dander is blowing out of your vents. Sometimes, you can see this dust or you would notice decreased efficiency of your HVAC system, or hindered airflow. All these factors determine that you need an immediate air duct inspection.
You should get the air ducts serviced every three to five years to avoid excessive buildup, timely maintenance helps with optimal airflow and performance.
Visible Mould Or Mildew
Typically, mould and mildew thrive in damp and humid environments. However, other areas are also not safe from it. Just as you would notice dust blowing out of your vents, you may also notice mould and mildew. Signs of it in your ducts would be discoloration, or musty odours. If you notice them, call for an air duct inspection promptly.
Mould and mildew can cause respiratory problems and serious health concerns and any signs indicate that professional air duct cleaning is immediately needed.
Pest Infestation
Pesky pests infestation harbour in spaces you can’t see them, and this includes your air ducts. They contaminate air circulation through your space. Signs that your air ducts have a pest infestation would be unusual odours, droppings or pest sightings.
In such a case, an immediate call for air duct inspections is important. Professional air duct cleaning services ensure that your air ducts are free from pests and their debris, ensuring your home has clean air.
Pristine Air & Healthy Life with The NYC Air Duct Cleaning Co.
Maintaining clean air ducts through regular air duct inspection and maintenance is important for a healthy living and efficient indoor environment. Now that you have understood the factors that affect the HVAC system, you can call professionals for an air duct service.
The NYC Air Duct Cleaning Co. is a professional cleaning service that can provide you with top-notch cleaning — improving your energy efficiency and enhancing the system performance. Don’t delay, call us today and enjoy yourself a healthy living space, and peace of mind.
