How Often Should You Clean Your HVAC System?

There are a lot of varying opinions on just how often you should have your HVAC system cleaned. The simplest answer is that there really is no right or wrong answer. It's purely based on your preferences and/or the manufacturer guidelines for the particular unit you have installed in your home or business.

However, here are a few tips on how to decide if you need your system serviced and the frequency of which you should have it done.

When You See Problems With Your HVAC Efficiency

If you find that your equipment isn't working as efficiently as it once did, then chances are you will need to have it cleaned. This is largely due to the fact that filters, ducts and vents get dirty over time and reduce air flow throughout the system. In turn, this causes your air conditioner or furnace to work harder and increases energy bills and reduces efficiency levels. A few symptoms may include

• Low pressure coming from some vents
• Louder noise from the fans
• Temperature fluctuations from room to room

Understanding that some symptoms may not be as serious as others will help to determine if you need you ducts cleaned immediately or the near future. Be aware of your surroundings and any other changes in health like allergies. It's possible that mold or excess dust is accumulating in your vents especially if you notice a sudden change in smell or ability to breathe.

Improper insulation in your home can also lead to under-performance of your HVAC system. You should call a professional insulation contractor for inspection and resolution.

When There Is A Musty Smell Or Visible Dust in Your Home or Office

Dirty air ducts are a safety hazard and can lead to health issues such as allergic reactions or illness for individuals who have asthma or compromised immune systems. Cleaning dirty air ducts has been shown to increase IAQ (indoor air quality), which decreases the chances of getting sick from the airborne pollutants being circulated through the home or business HVAC system.

If there is a musty odor coming out of your vents during the heating season it could be caused by moisture buildup especially if you have an older home with single-paned windows or are in a colder climate that has lower humidity levels. This can lead to increased air leakage through unsealed seams in your attics crevices etc., which can further reduce your system's overall efficiency leading to higher energy bills. 

A more serious sign would be visible mold growth on any of the registers or coils. Something as simple as having cracked ductwork seams, poor insulation around the ductwork, dirty filter screens or poorly maintained equipment can cause enough issues where mold begins to grow inside your system. At this point, it is highly recommended to call a professional for an HVAC inspection.

Call A Professional If In Doubt

The truth is that all this advanced technology and all these new-fangled gadgets can confuse homeowners. What should they pay attention to? How often do systems need to be serviced? Is it really necessary to get the indoor air tested so frequently?

The answer is quite simple: it's up to you!

Professional air duct cleaners use commercial-grade vacuum systems and powered brushes to loosen and remove dirt and debris from your home’s HVAC system and ductwork without worsening the quality of the air inside your home. If you feel like your system isn't running as well as before, take a couple of minutes and call Midwest Duct Cleaning today!