Whether you’re turning up the AC to beat the Macon heat or warming up in the cooler months, your HVAC system is key to a comfortable home. If your air ducts become dirty, they can get in the way of smooth airflow and even spread contaminants throughout your home. We’ll explore the importance of clean air ducts, when you should clean air ducts, and how Ricky Heath's professional duct cleaning services can support your Macon home.
When Should You Clean Air Ducts?
Anytime there’s a risk of contamination in your air ducts, it’s important to schedule a cleaning — even if you can’t see or smell a problem. If you’re wondering when to clean your air ducts, these common scenarios can help guide you.
After Moving Into a New Home
Even the best home inspection can’t tell you every secret in a pre-owned space. If the previous owners of your new house ever smoked or had pets, particles can get trapped in your air ducts and impact your indoor air quality. Even if they didn’t have these risks, you may not always know when they last had their ducts cleaned, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
If you’re moving into a new build, it’s also important to clean the ducts. While you won’t have to worry about the habits of previous owners, duct cleaning is essential to remove any construction dust and other contaminants.
Following Renovations or Remodeling Projects
Whenever you renovate or remodel a space, there’s likely to be some small particles that get trapped in your HVAC system. This includes contaminants like drywall dust from construction, as well as odor-causing agents from paint. Cleaning your air ducts after remodeling removes these contaminants so they don’t get circulated through your home.
When You Notice Mold or Strange Odors
When your air ducts or air filters become dirty, they can create the perfect growing environment for mold and mildew. Particularly if any moisture gets trapped in your system, these contaminants can grow and spread when you turn on your HVAC.
You might notice a bad smell, similar to dirty socks, when you turn on your air — this is a common sign of mold and mildew. Even if you don’t smell something, you might notice mold growth in your home, particularly around your HVAC vents. This is a sign that it’s time to call for prompt duct cleaning services.
If You See Signs of Pest Infestations
In some cases, rodents and other pests can enter your air ducts and become established in your home. It’s important to address this problem as quickly as possible to prevent it from spreading. Common signs of pest infestations include bad smells, noises in your air ducts, and droppings in or around your vents.
How Often to Clean Vents and Air Ducts
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends cleaning your ducts as needed, particularly if you notice issues like mold, excess dirt, or pest infestations. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association suggests a thorough air duct cleaning every three to five years for standard homes. This helps remove routine buildup of dust and debris and checks for any potential issues like mold, mildew, and pests.
If you live in a home with pets or smokers, you may want to consider more frequent cleaning — for example, every one to two years.
Signs It’s Time To Clean Your Air Ducts in Macon, GA
If you notice any of the following issues, it’s a good sign that it’s time to book professional duct cleaning:
- Dust accumulating around your vents
- Bad odors when you turn on your HVAC system
- Mold and mildew
- Poor airflow from your HVAC system
- Increased coughing, sneezing, or allergy concerns
- Unexplained rise in energy bills
If you notice any of these issues when you turn on your HVAC system, the first step is usually to check or change your HVAC filters. It’s recommended to clean furnace and AC filters at least once a month and change them at least every three months (or as recommended by the manufacturer). If you’ve changed your air filters and the problem persists, then there’s a good chance the issue is with your air ducts and vents.
Benefits of Regular Duct Cleaning for Georgia Homeowners
At Ricky Heath, we serve Macon and the surrounding area to bring the benefits of clean ducts to our community.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
If you have mold or mildew in your air ducts, cleaning them can increase the quality of your indoor air. Mold and mildew can pose significant health hazards over time, particularly if they circulate throughout your home.
Macon is also home to a number of allergens, including pollen, cut grass, and mold spores. While some of these may naturally enter your home through open doors and windows, others can get pulled in through your HVAC system. Keeping air filters, vents, and ducts clean helps prevent these irritants from getting spread further.
Boost HVAC Efficiency
When air filters, ducts, and vents are dirty, your HVAC system has to work harder to move air through your home. For example, if you have blocked ductwork, you may notice that some rooms are colder than others or that no air is getting through at all. Cleaning your ducts removes the buildup of dirt and grime that obstructs airflow, allowing your HVAC system to operate more easily. This can also help keep your energy bills lower, since your HVAC no longer has to work overtime to heat and cool your home.
Extend HVAC Lifespan
When your HVAC system has to fight against dirt, mold, and mildew, it builds up more wear and tear from working too hard. Keeping your ducts clean supports the overall health of your HVAC system, helping you get more from your furnace and air conditioner.
Remove Bad Smells
There are plenty of things that can cause smelly air ducts, from mold and mildew to pests and dirt. Even if there’s not a major problem, the gradual accumulation of dust and debris can eventually cause a stale smell, particularly in the warm Macon summers. Duct cleaning is an efficient way to remove bad odors and keep your system smelling fresh.
Call Ricky Heath for Professional Duct Cleaning in Macon, GA
From routine duct cleaning to mold, mildew, and pest removal, Ricky Heath is your go-to solution for professional duct cleaning in Macon, GA. We pride ourselves on delivering care, speed, and quality to our Macon community so you can enjoy clean and healthy indoor air. Contact us today to book your next appointment and discover how the Ricky team can make your home even more comfortable.
