One thing that often gets put on the back burner, particularly if you’re living in a new home in Middle Tennessee, is your HVAC system. The heating and cooling systems we install in each home we build are made to last, but dirt, dust and debris can build up and make them less energy-efficient. On top of that, if you’re living with allergies or asthma, tiny particles can irritate your throat and make it difficult to breathe.
But how long does it take for that kind of debris to build up, and what can you do about it?
Debris Build-Up in Air Ducts
Over the course of a year, dust will settle in the corners of your air ducts. Even if you’re great at changing your filters every two to three months, you’ll still get some debris in there. In most cases, it’s not a cause for concern.
Dust on Your Air Registers
It’s normal for the intake register outside your HVAC filter to become dusty, and all you need to do is vacuum it with a brush extension. Dust on your registers does not indicate that you have dust in your air ducts.
Signs that You Need Your Air Ducts Cleaned
If you suspect that you need your air ducts cleaned, visually inspect them by pulling off a register and shining a flashlight down the duct. If you see extensive dust and debris build-up, or if you see anything that looks like mold or mildew, you may need them cleaned. Only a professional can tell you if you actually have mold in your air ducts; in many cases, you’ll need to take a small sample and send it to a laboratory or call a specialist to come test it.
Dust and debris are normal, but if the people in your household seem to have an uptick in allergies or other symptoms of an unexplained illness, run the idea past your family doctor. He or she might be able to shed some light on whether you should have your air ducts cleaned.
If you have mold, you must get your air ducts cleaned. Some types of mold are incredibly toxic, and particles will come through your air ducts, which can sicken you and your family (and your pets). This is more common in older homes; if you’re living in a new home, it shouldn’t be a concern.
Ready to Upgrade Your Living Space?
Rather than worrying about duct cleaning, you could start planning your custom Hughes-Edwards home. If you’re not already living in one of our beautiful homes, call us at 615-824-6970 or fill out the form below. We’d love to hear about your ideas and show you what we can do for you.[gravityform id=”9″ name=”Contact Us”]
