Unlike a heat pump or furnace, there is no recommended time for scheduled maintenance on your HVAC ducts.
However, because the health of your system and your own well-being depends on a clean and free-flowing air supply, there are at least three important reasons to call for service when your system isn’t delivering that quality air as expected.
1.Clogs or Leaks
Lack of airflow can put additional stress on your HVAC system units, causing them to overwork and wear out quicker.
A clogged duct can mean debris has traveled in through a vent or dust has built up. A leaky duct occurs when a section of the shaft is loose, damaged, or just improperly connected. Air can escape along the path toward or away from your furnace/air handler, or condenser/heat pump units.
Symptoms of this include weak airflow and inconsistent room temperatures throughout your house. Dirt, or soot from the furnace may also cause some of these symptoms if your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked or perforated. Insect and rodent infestations can manifest additional complications like pungent odors from their excrement.
2. Mold
Image via Flickr by Lee Cannon
A musty smell coming from the vents could indicate mold growth. Although not impossible, insulated duct assemblies are more likely to catch and sustain spores than the smooth surfaces of sheet metal shafts. Moisture content is of main consideration. Wet insulation combined with warm air from the furnace or heat pump can create the perfect environment for cultures to gestate.
Don’t panic. Even if the technician suspects mold, the substance in question could still be something less toxic. Ask to see the mold and request for a sample to be tested in a lab before consenting to chemical treatments. Depending on the lab results, you may need to replace your ductwork, or quite possibly do nothing more about it.
3. Carbon Monoxide
If the heat exchanger is cracked or rust has eaten a hole through it, dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can leak out and mix with your indoor air. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and deadly in large quantities. For this reason, you should already have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home and if you don’t, you should get one immediately.
If you have an HVAC Technician come out for annual maintenance and inspection, the odds of a badly damaged heat exchanger going unnoticed are not as likely. However, there are sometimes exceptions and mechanical mishaps don’t always show up at a designated time.
Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning other than death include dizziness, inability to think clearly, headache, shortness of breath, nausea, and confusion. Inhaling large quantities can cause your body to completely shut down in about two hours.
If you discover that your HVAC furnace has a damaged heat exchanger, make sure to shut off your HVAC system immediately and take swift action in airing out your home.
If your HVAC maintenance technician wasn’t the one who alerted you to the damage during an inspection, be sure to call in a work order for repair and set up an appointment with an air duct maintenance professional to have your ductwork cleaned as well.
Like this post? Please share!
Thanks for finally talking about >3 Reasons You Should Get Your Ductwork Cleaned Professionally <Liked it!
You could certainly see your expertise in the article you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
Hello mates, how is all, and what you would like to say about this post, in my view its in fact awesome designed for me.