Fall brings cooler weather, but it isn’t so cold that you can’t go outside and enjoy the time that you spend there. You know that colder days are coming, so it is an opportune time to start thinking about your air ducts. The winter months will mean that we will all be spending more time indoors, so maintenance is highly important to ensure that your filters can provide you with the best air quality. You will find several reasons below that it may be time for you to have your ducts professionally cleaned:

Protect Your Family Members from Allergens.

The ducts are depositories of allergens, dust and dirt, and this is a problem because the air circulates throughout the duct system. As it does this, the air loosens the allergens, dust and dirt so that they are free to move throughout your house. When these allergens enter your living space in this manner, there can be a high percentage of impurities in the air.

If your family members have allergies or respiratory issues, this situation can lead to difficulties breathing or allergic reactions. When the environment is impure, people are constantly dealing with their allergies, and those with breathing problems feel as if they are out of breath most of the time. This is one very important reason to have your air ducts cleaned.

Several disgusting things exist inside your ducts, and they include mold spores, pollen and dust mites. Ducts provide a great environment for mold to grow because it is damp and has a food source that can cause mold to thrive. Pollen also becomes trapped inside your ducts, and it may cause you and your family to experience sore throats, runny noses and watery eyes. Those are common pollutants, but there are also many others that can be lurking within your ducts.

As the air brings these pollutants to your rooms, they also end up in your furniture, and this is just one more way for them to end up in your body.

Improve the Quality of the Air.

The air inside your home will benefit in other ways as well. For example, air ducts can become contaminated with bacteria and fungus, so the fumes that are created combine with fungus spores in the air. To prevent this situation, you must sanitize your ducts.

You Have Pets.

Pets are great additions to your family, but they also increase the amount of work that it takes to keep your house clean. You may have a cat or a dog, and these lovely little creatures often shed their hair. Along with the hair, they are also shedding skin cells, so skin cells and hair build up inside the air ducts. When this occurs, it blocks the air’s ability to flow freely throughout the ducts. As a result, your air conditioning system will need to work much harder to keep your home cool, and inefficient appliances increase your energy bills. In addition to that, the hair and dander that are building up in your ducts are common allergens. If your family members are sensitive to it, they will have unwanted allergic reactions.

Maintain the Entire HVAC System.

Maintenance is important for the air conditioning system and your heating system. As particles build up, the moving parts in your air conditioner and furnace are forced to work harder, and this is an obstacle that prevents the air from moving efficiently through your ducts. It also reduces the life expectancy of your HVAC systems, so you may need to have them repaired more often. In addition to that, it will cost more money to heat your home because your heating system will need to expend a greater amount of energy to heat your house adequately.

Routine maintenance keeps these appliances working efficiently for a longer period of time.

A Smoker Lives in Your House.

Smokers are often required to smoke outside, but everyone doesn’t follow this rule. As a person smokes a cigarette, cigar or other type of apparatus, the smoke makes its way into the duct system and builds up there. When you turn on your air conditioner, the air circulates and picks up toxins from the smoke and spreads them throughout the house. You may not be the smoker, but you are breathing in the smoke from the other people in your house.

Have a Pleasant Smell in Your Home.

You may have noticed that your air has an unpleasant smell. This is a sign that your air ducts need to be sanitized. That’s because bacteria is building up inside the ducts, and it only continues to grow after this begins. As it is growing, the bacteria starts to smell, and it can be highly unpleasant. When this occurs, it is time to disinfect the ducts so that your air can remain fresh.

You Won’t Need to Clean Your Home as Often.

In most cases, your house isn’t getting dirty very quickly when you have a working air conditioning system. You may have needed to clean the house once every 10 days, but you are now cleaning it once a week. This is a sign that your air ducts are dirty. As the air circulates through your house, it picks up the dust and dirt and spreads it around. Because your air conditioner is moving dirt around, you need to clean your home more often.

Keep Rodents and Insects at Bay.

Rodents and insects love to hang out in warm and dry places. When the ducts aren’t sanitized and cleaned as often as they should be, the ducts become an unhygienic and dirty place. This is just the type of environment that welcomes snakes, insects, rats and mice, and these are the types of creatures that you do not want to find lurking around your home! Making a point of regularly cleaning your ducts will ensure that you don’t have to worry about an infestation of pests like the ones described above. Then, there is no need to hire an exterminator to relieve your home of unwanted creatures.

Prevent the Growth of Mold.

Air ducts are not just warm; they are also damp. These are conditions that are highly conducive to mold growth. Most importantly, mold can endanger the health of the residents, so you must keep it from appearing and growing inside your home. You may have noticed that there is a black, powdery substance on your walls that are located near your vents. If you see this, it means that the situation is much worse on the inside. Mold is also detrimental to your indoor air quality because your HVAC system picks it up and spreads it throughout your house. At this point, it is imperative that you have your ducts cleaned professionally when you notice these signs of mold growth.

Your Basement Is Damp.

Your ducts may be in your basement. If so, the air travels from your basement to other rooms, and it brings the damp air with it. This makes the air in your other rooms damp as well. You must have your ducts cleaned on a yearly basis if your basement is usually damp so that mold doesn’t have a chance to grow. Additionally, if your basement flooded recently, it is advisable to have your ducts cleaned now.

The Ducts Have Never Been Cleaned.

You may have been in your home for several years and never thought that you needed to have the ducts cleaned. You may know by now that this isn’t the case. Also, you may have just moved into your home that was occupied previously. The best thing that you can do is have your ducts cleaned. You don’t know what is currently hiding in your ducts, but if you have them professionally cleaned, you will eliminate this worry.

When the Air Blows, You Notice That Dust Comes Out of Your Vents.

When you can see anything coming out of your vents as the air blows, this is a sure sign that particles are building up within your ducts. As dust and other particles increase, they do not remain within the ducts forever. The circulating air brings them back into your rooms, and it creates air that is hard to breathe and is also unsafe. You definitely need to have your ducts cleaned and sanitized when you witness dust coming from your vents.

You Recently Completed an Upgrade On Your Home.

When you make improvements on your home, this causes your ducts to be overburdened. That’s because, when you build an addition onto your house or increase the size of a room, paint particles, sawdust and dirt end up in your ducts. Anytime that you have construction done on your home, it will cause your ducts to become dirtier faster. If you did not have your ducts cleaned before you began a new construction project, you can be assured that you have even more debris buildup now that the work has been completed. After you finish home renovations, it is always a good idea to have your ducts cleaned so that you reduce the possibility of problems in the future.

If you are living in a home that had previous owners, you must ask them when the last time was that they had their ducts cleaned. If it has been a long time, it will be your duty to have them professionally cleaned because the buildup can be detrimental to your appliances and your family’s health.

Prevent Disease.

When people are suffering from respiratory diseases, the main culprit is often poor indoor air quality. This may be because the air in your home contains bacteria spores, mold, dirt, dust particles and contaminants. These are the additives that increase your chances of suffering from asthma, bronchitis or emphysema.

You Can Find Out if There Are Any Leaks.

When technicians clean your ducts, they have the opportunity to inspect them as well as clean them. Then, they may find areas that are leaking, or they may find holes and other problems that need to be repaired before they lead to more expensive issues in the future. For example, the insulation may be damaged and will need to be repaired. It is preferable to have this done in the fall before you really need your heating system to be working during the colder months.

You Purchased a New Furnace.

You may have prepared for the coming winter season by purchasing a new furnace. This is a great time to take the opportunity to have your ducts cleaned because, if your ducts have a significant amount of debris, this debris can begin to clog your new furnace, and the consequences of this have already been discussed above. For example, particles can cause your coils to clog, and as was mentioned above, this will cause your furnace to work inefficiently.

Cleaning your air ducts benefits your family’s health in many ways. It is also the reason that your HVAC system can work efficiently for the longest possible time. Make an appointment to have your ducts cleaned by One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning this fall, and enjoy the fresh air and the knowledge that you are keeping up with your home maintenance.

Your HVAC system is designed to control airflow and temperature – not odors. HVAC systems will produce odors from time to time. While some odors are temporary and harmless, others can indicate a problem with your system and be a cause of concern. From rotten eggs to mold and mustiness, being able to identify problematic AC smells will allow you to pinpoint the problem and keep your home cool, safe, and smelling good like it should.

Rotten Eggs

 If you walk into your home and smell rotten eggs, it’s a severe sign something is wrong with your HVAC system. Gas companies put additives in natural gas to make this foul smell noticeable and alert homeowners of leaks. 

 If you notice this smell, turn your system off, open the windows, go a safe distance from your home, and alert your gas utility company. Then, contact a heating and cooling specialist to schedule a checkup of your HVAC system as soon as possible.

Dirty Socks

 Your home shouldn’t smell like a gym locker. However, the unpleasant odor of dirty socks is quite familiar to every HVAC professional. One of the more common AC smells is that it frequently occurs due to mildew and mold buildup on an AC’s evaporator coil when left off for an extended period. 

 The smell is most common in the springtime when systems transition from heating to cooling. Rather than welcoming these contaminants and their odors into your home, it’s best to call an HVAC technician to clean and sterilize the affected components.

Mold and Mustiness

 Moldy, musty AC smells usually indicate a problem with the system’s condensation drain. When the drain is clogged, water can’t escape as it should, resulting in excess moisture and mold, and mildew growth.

 Under the right conditions, this growth can extend to the condenser coil and even the ductwork running throughout your home. This means mold spores may be circulating through the air in your home right now. A qualified HVAC technician can solve this issue and keep it from reoccurring down the road.

Sewage

 Depending on your HVAC system and how it was installed, it may be located close to a sewage line. The smell of sewage is distinct and caused by the production of gasses, like methane. Inhaling these gasses can be dangerous, so it’s best to contact a plumber immediately to fix the sewer line. 

 You should also call your local HVAC pro for advice on filters and managing odors in your home. In addition to bad AC smells, dirty or clogged filters can also cause your HVAC system to run inefficiently and lead to more significant air quality problems.

Burning Smoke

 If you smell an odor of burning smoke in your home, try to detect where it is coming from. If the smell is coming from your HVAC system, turning the system off will eliminate any AC smells and help avoid fire and additional damage. 

 After turning the system off, call an HVAC technician. An HVAC expert can detect the source of the problem, which isn’t always easy, and fix it to keep your system running both safely and efficiently.

 While not all AC smells are serious, some can indicate a significant problem and affect your quality of life. If any odors smell familiar, call your local HVAC expert and schedule a checkup right away.

When summer kicks into full gear, most people will be trying to stay cool. A malfunctioning AC is bound to make life at home a lot less enjoyable. This is especially true during the middle of a sweltering heatwave. If your HVAC system is constantly breaking down, you may want to shop for a replacement. Here are some of the most significant signs you need an AC system installation. 

Age of Your Unit

 AC systems are exceptionally durable. Most are rated to last for at least 10 – 12 years. However, poor maintenance and heavy use can cause a unit to fail much sooner than expected. If you have an older system at home, it’s only a matter of time before it starts to give you trouble.

 There are many advantages to new AC system installation. For starters, today’s latest models are far more efficient. This means you stand to save a lot of extra money in the long run. Modern AC systems are also engineered to last longer. 

Cost of Repair

 Even the best AC will eventually need a repair or two. The good news is that most problems are affordable to fix. However, an aging AC is far more likely to need a significant repair. You certainly don’t want to encounter a bad air compressor. Not only does this component often cost more than $1,000, but you also must factor in the cost of labor. 

 You must decide if it’s worth spending money on repairing an old unit. New AC installation may prove to be a better long-term investment. 

Performance

 When the weather becomes hot and muggy, your AC must be able to perform at its best. An old AC is more likely to have trouble meeting your home’s cooling demands. It may be forced to work twice as hard to keep the interior at your preferred temperature, which often results in higher monthly energy bills. 

 After seeking a new AC system installation, don’t be surprised to experience greater comfort. A high-efficiency unit can cool your home without consuming nearly as much energy. 

You Are Planning to Sell Your Home

 If you’re planning to sell your home soon, take a good look at the condition of your AC. A worn-out HVAC system can decrease property value. Now could be an excellent time to seek new AC installation. 

 Potential buyers will view the new unit as a significant asset. It shows that you cared about keeping your home in tip-top condition. Because your home will demand a greater price, you won’t be losing any money. 

Unusual Noises

 A well-maintained AC should deliver a smooth and quiet performance. Unusual noises should immediately raise a red flag. Banging, rattling, and squealing all indicate a problem. 

 You could be dealing with worn motor bearings or another serious issue. At this point, a new AC system installation is likely your best option.

Whether you are looking to upgrade an existing HVAC system or are getting ready to build a new home, we offer many different types of air conditioning systems. One type of AC system that’s become increasingly popular over the past decade is the mini-split AC system, which can be installed next to no time and is highly efficient. Before choosing an AC system for your home, you should be aware of how a mini-split system works and the types of benefits it can provide to you and your family.

What Are Mini-Split AC Systems?

 A mini-split AC system is commonly referred to as a central air HVAC system and is designed to cool the entire home instead of a single room or zone. When you purchase a mini-split AC system, you’ll find that it’s separated into two distinct units, one of which is positioned inside your home. 

 A condenser/compressor is first placed outside of your home before being connected to an air handling unit that’s installed somewhere inside your home. The air handling unit itself is connected to a thermostat that allows you to have complete control over how warm or cool the air inside your home is. 

 Copper tubing lines connect the outdoor and indoor units to allow for easy refrigerant circulation. Air is circulated correctly through a series of ducts that attach to the indoor unit. For this system to work as intended, your home may need to be outfitted with ductwork. On the other hand, a mini-split AC system can have a ductless design, which would allow you to avoid the need to have costly new ducts installed. 

What Are Ductless Mini-Split AC Systems?

 A ductless mini-split AC system may be the perfect system for you if your home doesn’t currently contain ductwork. These systems still consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that must be connected with copper tubing. The air inside your home is taken by the air handling unit and transferred to the outdoor condenser. From here, the air comes into contact with coils that contain coolant, after which the hot inside air will be converted into gas. 

 The gas created during this process gets pushed through the outdoor compressor, where the gas is recycled into a primary liquid. Now that the air is cooled, it can be directed back to the air handler, which ensures that cool air will now circulate throughout your home. Because you don’t need any ductwork, the air handler unit can be placed in any room. This unit should come with a remote controller that gives you the ability to set the temperature. 

Benefits of Choosing a Mini-Split AC System

 If you opt for a ductless mini-split system, these systems are typically very efficient and allow you to cool the interiors of your home without wasting too much money on your monthly energy bills. Mini-split systems can cut your utility bills in half when compared to conventional systems. This type of system is also easy to install and should substantially improve your home’s air quality.