An HVAC contractor can help you keep your ducts clean, which will ensure the system isn’t circulating contaminated air throughout your home. However, it’s important to recognize the signs of dirty ducts so that you can get prompt service and keep your system running smoothly. Here are a few symptoms of unclean ducts.

How to Tell if Your Ducts Require Cleaning

1. Uneven Temperatures

Normally, the temperature should remain consistent throughout the home, so you shouldn’t feel warmer or colder as you go from one room to another. You might think this means that you need heating system repair, but you may only need to get their ducts cleaned. A build up of dust and debris in the ducts can interfere with airflow to a specific area of the home and cause uneven temperatures, but a cleaning will resolve this problem quickly.

2. Mold Growth

If you see mold growing near your home’s vents, or near the HVAC unit itself, you should contact a heating contractor as soon as possible. As your system runs, it will be spreading the mold throughout the home, posing health risks to your family as they inhale the contaminated air. Your technician can resolve the problem that caused the mold growth so that you won’t have to worry about it returning.

3. Your Air Filter Hasn’t Been Changed 

If it has been more than a couple of months since you changed the system’s air filter, schedule an appointment with your HVAC contractor. A dirty filter won’t catch dust, pollen, and debris, and they’ll be recirculated throughout the system. If the dirty filter has been left in place for an extended period, there may be contaminants throughout the ductwork and in the HVAC unit.

4. Dirty Registers & Vent Covers

If your vent covers and registers are dusty or covered in dirt, your ducts likely need cleaning. Try cleaning the vents and see how long it takes for them to get dirty again. If a relatively short time passes, this indicates there’s more debris in your ducts. Your HVAC contractor may be able to recommend ways to reduce dust and dirt buildup in the system.

A duct cleaning from an HVAC contractor will help the system run more efficiently and improve the air quality in your home. ZAP Cooling & Heating in Cleveland, GA, can help you maintain a functional HVAC system through preventative maintenance and 24-hour emergency repair calls. If you need service, contact them online or call (706) 219-1709.