While most people don’t give a lot of thought to their air conditioning systems, it’s something we simply can’t live without. Especially in Orlando, where the average temperatures are higher than the rest of the country and summer is just around the corner. Preventative AC maintenance can save you quite a few headaches and expensive bills down the road. Not only that, a properly functioning air conditioning unit keeps your home running efficiently.
Have you considered that air ducts need regular maintenance as well? Air ducts help you achieve the temperatures you want by providing a channel for cool or heated air. When there’s something wrong with your air ducts, this can cause the whole HVAC unit to malfunction.
Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
Unsure if your air ducts need cleaning in the Orlando area? Here are a few signs to look out for.
- General dirt and debris around your vents. Seeing is believing. If you’ve already noticed dust around your vents, chances are it’s already circulating through the system. High level of dust can cause allergies or other respiratory issues, so it’s best to get this checked out.
- Your energy bills have suddenly gone up. If you haven’t increased your usage and your bills are quite a bit higher than normal, this means your AC unit is working harder than it should. Clogs and dirt might be preventing the system from working efficiently.
- There are signs of insects or rodents in your home. Seeing or smelling rodents is a bad sign in a lot of ways. It is possible they may be living in your air ducts. Over time, you may begin to smell droppings and other contaminants, which could be a health risk.
How to Prevent Dirty Air Ducts
There are many reasons why your air ducts have a buildup of dust or dirt. Perhaps you simply don’t have them cleaned regularly. This is the most common reason. Other reasons include poorly sealed ducts or leaky ducts. If this is the case, it’s best to call in a professional for a replacement or modification.
One way to prevent dirty air ducts is to keep the inside of your home clean and free from allergens. If there is less dust in your house, then there is less dust to enter into your HVAC system. Some spring cleaning will reduce that airborne dust. It’s also good to check for leaks around your windows and doorways to prevent dust and dirty air from coming inside.
The second way to prevent dirty air ducts is to make sure you have a high quality filter in place, then change it regularly. Set up a recurring event on your personal calendar so you don’t forget. You’d be surprised how often people forget about the maintenance that improves their indoor air quality all year long. You can schedule AC maintenance with our Orlando AC service for more information. Associated Piping Services will recommend the right solutions and ensure there are no leaks, tears, or other issues. Contact us today.