Inside an HVAC system, dirt particles and fine dust collect on air duct surfaces, coils, motors, and vents. Pet dander, hair, and dead skin flakes catch onto the dust. Over time, this creates a mat-like, dense environment where dust mites, allergens, mold, and bacteria may flourish.
Air filters get rid most of those things from the air stream, but not for every part of your HVAC system. That is the reason why you should check your HVAC’s condition to determine if they require Ithaca furnace cleaning. You can also visit the nearest HVAC service to ask for professional assistance.
Before looking for HVAC professionals, take note of some of the signs that your HVAC system needs furnace cleaning:
Poor Air Quality
Your HVAC system has an impact on your home’s air quality. If your HVAC system isn’t maintained properly, it may move bacteria, dirt, and some foreign particles throughout your house along with heated air. More floating particles may also lead to colds, frequent coughs, and some respiratory ailments. If you or somebody in your family has allergies, the available foreign particles can cause symptoms such as headache, itchiness, and watery eyes.
There are times when air quality problems can be solved by replacing the filter, but there are other cases when your HVAC system should be professionally cleaned.
Duct Installation Problems
Adding insulation to your ductwork is a good way to lower your cooling and heating costs and improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. However, that insulation may serve as a warning sign. You must check your insulation carefully during each inspection and look for dampness or flaking. If your insulation is damp or wet, it’s time to schedule a thorough furnace cleaning. The earlier you schedule that cleaning, the better.
Noise In the Air Ducts
If there are strange noises coming from your vent, it could be a sign of blockage. This may happen if a part of a broken filter gets sucked in your unit’s ducts. Moreover, blockage may happen in case the damper is filled with dust. In such circumstances, you must hire a professional to do furnace cleaning for you.
Presence of Mold Buildup
An HVAC system must be serviced and cleaned periodically. As a matter of fact, many HVAC service professionals and manufacturers recommend scheduling regular cleaning services yearly. Both furnaces and air conditioners may develop condensation and mold buildup is possible, especially if you’re living in a place with a humid climate.
Although mold on your HVAC system doesn’t always guarantee that your ductwork is affected, it may increase the possible chances. A cleaning technician will clean the HVAC system of your home to eliminate the mold and prevent it from coming back.
Previous Pest Infestation
Some crawlies enjoy air ducts and pests like rats and bugs consider your ductwork as their home. If you’ve experienced pest infestation previously, your AC ductwork may still be infested. Even if bugs and rodents are gone, the nest materials and waste products could still be in place, which can cause contaminants. So, consider furnace cleaning regularly if you have experienced this problem in the past to get rid of all the traces of pest infestation.
Abnormal Furnace Smells
The majority of furnace odors disappear as the unit operates. But, if you notice a strong smell around your unit or the scent doesn’t go away, it may mean that your HVAC system has a problem.
Abnormal furnace smells may result from a variety of issues like excessive dust or gas leak inside the unit. Have a professional assess the odor and determine the real cause behind it before you consider furnace cleaning services.
Increased Cooling And Heating Costs
Sudden spikes or inconsistent cooling and heating costs may be a sign that your HVAC unit isn’t running efficiently. Make sure to check your previous records or if the energy company has changed the rates or not. If your energy bills aren’t consistent, your home’s cooling and heating system is to blame.
Your ductwork may become so dirty that the air won’t flow through the HVAC system in an efficient manner. Once that happens, your furnace will be forced to work much harder to maintain temperature while using more energy. Due to this, it may result in higher utility bills. If you don’t want this to happen, look for professionals to clean your furnace and consider regular maintenance.
Unexplained Respiratory Problems
If someone in your house experiences any sinus, allergy, asthma or some respiratory problems, it might be a sign that your HVAC system requires furnace cleaning. If your duct has a high level of dirt and debris, it may have a huge impact on the indoor air quality and your health.
Conclusion
Once you see the signs that your HVAC system require furnace cleaning, never consider it as one of your DIY projects. Cleaning an HVAC system may seem to be an easy task, but it can be complicated, especially if you don’t have any clue about how a furnace works. As much as possible, it should be handled by professionals with commercial-grade equipment designed for every type of home.