Decreased airflow causing uneven heating or cooling. An oxidation effect on the heat exchanger, increasing the risk of fire. One of the main problems with leaving vents and air ducts untreated is mold. This is especially common with insulated ventilation grilles.
If water enters the vents or condensation is allowed to accumulate, moisture will remain. Over time, without proper cleaning and maintenance of air ducts, moisture will generate mold and mildew over time. In addition to affecting health, dirty air ducts can also cause problems with the heating and cooling unit. It's not uncommon for the unit to operate more frequently and for longer periods due to the additional strain associated with air moving through those dirty ducts. The increased amount of use will cause more moving parts to wear out faster.
As a result, you'll have to request repairs more often. Overall, the additional stress shortens the life of the heating and cooling unit. Even with quick repairs, the unit may not last as many years. From this perspective, choosing to have air ducts cleaned every two to three years can be considered a way to maintain the same unit for a longer period of time.
In addition to the ducts themselves, it is also necessary to clean the fan and other parts of the system that force air into the ducts. Until the ducts are cleaned, they remain in the system and are added to the contaminants that eventually reach the air in each of the rooms. An increase in utility costs could indicate that the system has to work harder to force air through the ducts and out through the vents. A lack of energy or trouble sleeping may have more to do with what's in the air ducts and less to do with other factors. This is because dirty ducts cause the heating and air conditioning to overheat, causing high levels of carbon monoxide.
Professionals are trained to know what to look for, how to manage cleaning professionally and without damaging the ventilation grilles or surrounding areas, and what is needed to inspect a duct system after cleaning is complete. A clean air duct system helps your air conditioning system operate more efficiently, reducing monthly energy bills. These are the risks you face when you don't keep your home's air ducts as clean as they should be. It's easy to take good care of a home's heating and cooling unit, but forget all about air ducts.
As long as forced air continues to come out through the vents, it doesn't seem to make sense to think about the duct system. The best way to ensure maximum airflow is to have ductwork professionally cleaned at least once a year. Once the ducts are clogged with those particles, the air will no longer be clean, meaning you and your family will inhale more contaminants. Having a professional responsible for air quality and duct cleaning ensures your family's safety, reduces symptoms of seasonal, dust and pet allergies, and helps keep your home dust-free.
