How to Know You Need Duct Service in Lacey

Duct service in Lacey warning sign of mold and mildew on a vent

Duct service in Lacey and all over is highly overlooked for many reasons, but mostly because homeowners can’t see inside their duct work. So, how do you know if you need to call a professional for duct service and cleaning? Just as with any home appliance, damaged, broken, or dirty duct work has signals to let you know that something is wrong. All of the warning signs are easy for you to spot because they are all external warnings.

You Have Mold and Mildew Growing on the Outside of Your Registers

Mold and mildew on a house vent indicating the need for duct service in Lacey

This is something people often overlook, but is something that could be an indicator of a larger problem. Vents and registers often only get visible mold on the outside if there is excessive moisture inside. If there is enough moisture inside of your vents to cause mildew to grow on the outside, you should probably call for duct service. Increased humidity is a common side-effect of any HVAC system. If you don’t address the humidity with a whole-home dehumidifier or similar solution, moisture can develop inside ducts. In the enclosed space, this moisture is a catalyst for mold and mildew growth. The only way to effectively remove these irritants is with professional duct service in Lacey.

There are Unpleasant Odors Coming from Your Vents

Just like visible mold and mildew, unpleasant smells coming from your vents is likely a signal that your ducts need, at the very least, an inspection. The smell could be coming from mold and mildew, a rodent infestation, or a number of other sources. Because you can’t see inside your duct work, odd odors are a key indicator of something being wrong inside your ducts.

Dusty Homes May Need Duct Service in Lacey

You vacuum every day, your air filter was recently changed, but you still find that your house becomes dusty, fast. A dusty home is a red flag. If your HVAC is on, your windows are (or should be) shut. So, the dust is coming from inside the home. Anytime your HVAC system is running, air is being filtered through a filter. When you find your home covered in dust, it can be an indicator that the dust may be coming from inside the ductwork rather than outside.

Your Air Filters Need to be Changed Often

On average, the air filter that is found in your furnace should be changed about every three months. If you find you need to change your air filter every time you check it, you need your ducts cleaned. Air filters always need to be maintained. The indicator of a problem is if you need to address problems with your air filter more often than normal. This is related to the previous paragraph because air filters capture dust and debris from the home. When air filters are getting clogged quickly, there is more than the average amount of dust in your home.

Rising Energy Bills Indicate the Need for Duct Service in Lacey

A key part of any HVAC system is air flow. Anything that affects that flow, affects the effectiveness of the units. Example of reasons air flow could become impeded are bent or damaged ducts, animals or pests, or blocked air filters. Apart from changing your air filters as often as is necessary, having a duct cleaning company inspect your ducts is the only way to figure out what is wrong. When airflow is restricted, energy bills rise. The extra effort it takes for the furnace or air conditioner to reach the temperature set on the thermostat will directly affect your energy costs in a negative way.

Duct Service in Lacey is Never a Bad Idea

One key determination to consider if you are wondering if you need duct service in Lacey is knowing whether your system has a history of service. If you installed the system after moving in, it’s been at least 5 years, and you haven’t yet had your duct work serviced, you may want to call for an appointment. On the other hand, if you moved into a house and have no history from the previous owner that the duct work in the home has been inspected, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment. If you have a number of pets, duct service is a good idea. Recent construction on your home is another reason to call for duct cleaning. The bottom line? Duct service in Lacey is never a bad idea.