Air ducts are perhaps one of the most underappreciated components in our homes, and Frog Air, Heating, & Electrical is here to teach you how to spot problems with your system. Air ducts work in conjunction with heating and cooling systems to circulate and purify the air in the home. Unfortunately, since air ducts are generally concealed, they can become clogged with dirt, mold, soot, and other toxins and pollutants. This dirt is recirculated back into the house when your HVAC unit is switched on, which can cause a variety of respiratory illnesses. In this article, we’ll discuss how to spot signs of air duct problems.
Never ending Allergies & Other Respiratory Complications
Do you or members of your family suffer from allergies or other respiratory problems all of the time? These include watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, tiredness, dry and itchy skin, headaches, and sinus infections. If you answered yes, this could signify that toxic air is circulating inside the building. The most probable culprit is dirty or clogged air ducts.
A Sudden & Unexplained Hike in Energy Costs
Have you noticed a significant and unexpected increase in your energy bill? If your heating and cooling bills have increased dramatically in recent months despite no changes in your lifestyle or habits, you may be dealing with unclean air ducts. The HVAC unit has to work harder because dirt in the air ducts obstructs the usual flow of air through the system. As a result, your energy expenses will most likely rise. If that is the case, schedule an air duct inspection right away.
Strange Noises Coming From Your HVAC Unit
While every functional HVAC unit emits a gentle humming sound when operating, this noise should not be excessive. If you continually hear rattling or if your HVAC system intensely vibrates when heating or cooling your home, this could signify an underlying problem.
Remember that your ducts are joined with plastic or fiberglass connections. Damaged joints often make rattling or whistling noises. If the ductwork has holes, you’ll hear loud noises as air circulates through it. Don’t ignore the noise. Schedule professional air duct cleaning before these problems get worse.
Uneven Heating & Cooling
Are there areas of your home that are insufficiently heated or cooled? If you notice that certain areas of your home are hotter or colder than others, this is a sure sign that your ductwork is damaged and is not distributing air evenly.
This can be easily verified with the use of an indoor thermometer. If the temperature changes are unusual, there may be air duct problems, including but not limited to duct system leaks. Air is likely escaping through cracks or gaps in the ducting.
Musky Odor Inside the House
If you notice a persistent musky odor within your home, this could be another indicator of defective air ducts. Musky odors are often caused by the growth of mold and mildew inside the ducts. This happens when warm air flows through chilly ducts. As mold thrives, a musky odor can start coming through the vents. If you detect this, contact Frog Air right away. That is because prolonged exposure to mold and mildew can be detrimental to your health.
Dust or Smoke Emanating from the Vents
If smoke, dust, grime, or other particles rise from the vents every time you turn on your air conditioning system, it could be a sign you have air duct problems. Particularly dangerous is the presence of smoke, which indicates a faulty air conditioning system or clogged air ducts. For 24-hour emergency AC service, contact Frog Air immediately.
Ready to Schedule an Appointment?
Air ducts have a significant impact on our health. According to the CDC, poor air quality sickens over 4 million Americans each year. If you need a reputable air duct cleaning company in Nashville, TN, or even 24-hour emergency service, contact Frog Air right away. Nothing makes us happier than knowing that we’ve made a difference in our clients’ lives.
