Air ducts are found in just about every home and business, used to filter air through your HVAC system. This network of tubes in the walls, floors, and ceilings carry air from your furnace and central air conditioner to each room.
Like any machine or appliance, air ducts need regular maintenance to work at peak performance. It’s recommended that you have them cleaned every 3-5 years—every 2-3 years if you have allergies or pets. They can become dirty or even break, potentially causing hazardous air quality or other risks.
Types of Air Duct Systems
There are three types of air duct systems:
- Flexible ductwork can bend and navigate tight corners and spaces. This type of air duct is typically easier and less expensive to install than other types.
- Semi-rigid ductwork. This type of air duct has a zero-leakage ventilation system and is often considered the best type of air duct system. It can be installed with anti-bacterial and anti-static linings.
- Rigid ductwork. This type of air duct tends to be more durable than others. There are three common types:
- Fiberboard ducts are made of strands of fiberglass merged with resin, then encased in a foil laminate sheet.
- Sheet metal ducts are typically made of galvanized steel and aluminum. This type of air duct is generally lightweight and easy to install, with a non-porous surface that reduces the chance of mold.
- Fiberglass lined ducts. Common in commercial spaces and office buildings, this type is similar to sheet metal ducts, but has a fiberglass interior.
The Top Three Signs Your Air Ducts Are Dirty
While there are many signs that your air ducts are dirty, these three are significant:
- You find rodents or insects inside your air ducts.
- Your air ducts are clogged with dust and debris, and they’re being emitted through the registers.
- Visible mold growth is present in your air ducts.
Other signs include:
- Musty odors coming from the vents.
- Large amounts of dust on the furniture.
- Respiratory issues and allergies getting worse when you’re inside.
What if I Never Clean My Air Ducts?
Dirty, clogged ducts can lead to a number of problems:
- Higher energy bills.
- Health risks.
- Odors.
- Shortened life of your HVAC system.
- Potential fire hazard.
Air Duct Maintenance Tips
Here are some common tips for maintaining good working air ducts:
- Regularly change filters to avoid clogging.
- Use the most efficient air filter suggested by the producer of your heating and cooling system.
- Confirm no filters are missing and verify that no air can pass through gaps around the filter holder.
- Have cooling coils and drain pans cleaned when your heating or cooling system is being inspected.
- Vacuum and dust your living space regularly.
- Seal off supply and return registers during construction or renovation work.
- Keep an eye out for leaks in the ducts and have them remediated immediately.
- Regularly check insulation near cooling coils for wet spots.
- Verify that condensate pans are properly draining.
- Confirm ducts are properly sealed in all non-air-conditioned spaces.
- Confirm all ducts are sealed at the joints to avoid leakage.
SERVPRO is Here to Help®
SERVPRO offers routine air duct/HVAC cleaning, making sure all applicable safety standards are met. We also offer odor removal and virus/pathogen cleaning.
To find out more, contact us today or visit our FAQ and Glossary.