The heating and air conditioning systems in your home can last for as long as 30 years. Of course, the lifespan of your systems relies not only on the quality of the equipment, but also on how well you keep it maintained. You probably know that you need to have your air conditioner maintained every spring and your furnace tuned up every fall.
What some homeowners may not know is the air ducts–along with the vents and registers in a heating and cooling system–also need to be maintained. You and your heating and cooling specialist should be inspecting your ducts regularly and making sure they’re free of loose connections and rips and tears. And every once in awhile, you might need to have your air ducts cleaned. But when do you need to do that? Contact your HVAC-system professional if you spot any of the following red flags.
- There’s an earthy, moldy odor. This may mean that mold is growing in your ductwork.
- Vermin are present.
- You see dust and or dirt coming out of the vents.
If you suspect that your ductwork needs to be cleaned, now is the best time to contact your heating and cooling specialist. Your house will be closed up for the next several months, and you’ll be inside more of the time. You want to make sure that your indoor air is as clean as possible. The EPA advises that duct cleaning doesn’t need to be done routinely, but if you see any of the three red flags, it’s best to get your ductwork cleaned.
For a complete inspection of your HVAC system, contact the specialists at Ross & Witmer. We can assess your ductwork and tell you whether a professional cleaning is in order. We have been serving homeowners throughout the Charlotte area since 1945.