Dusty Ducts: 6 Signs Your Air Ducts Need to be Cleaned

In the U.S., 16% of owner-occupied homes are between 10 and 20 years old. Even more impressive is that over half of the housing stock accounts for homes built before 1980!

These figures show that homes in the U.S. do stand the test of time. However, it may also mean that your home’s ductwork is just as or almost as old your home itself.

In this case, it won’t be a surprise if you have extremely dusty ducts.

There are many other signs that point to filthy ductwork though. Keep reading to learn all about these symptoms that point to dirty, dust-ridden ducts!

1. You Can’t Remember the Last Time You Had Duct Cleaning Services

This can also mean that you’ve never had your ducts cleaned, ever. After all those years of use, it’s highly likely that there are now thick layers of dust in your air ducts.

It’s best to get your ducts inspected at this point, so you can also determine their condition. Besides, according to this post from Air & Energy of NWFL, it only takes half an hour to inspect ducts. It also takes less than half a day to get them cleaned.

2. Your HVAC Filters Are Clogging up Faster

Ground-level ozone is a type of pollutant that can reduce the efficiency of duct liners. In fact, a study found that duct liners exposed to 10 days of ozone are 5% less efficient!

Air pollutants are bad enough, but them being in your ducts can make your home’s air quality even worse. This, in turn, can make your HVAC filters clog up faster.

If your furnace or AC filters build up filth over a shorter period of time, chances are, you have very dirty air ducts.

3. You Hear Squeaks and Creaks Coming From Your Ceiling

Rodent infestation affects at least 21 million homes in U.S. Squeaks and scurrying sounds from your ceiling are solid signs that you have rats and mice at home.

Unfortunately, these creatures can be living and reproducing in your ducts. In this case, not only do you have dusty air vents and ducts in your hands—you also have pathogens living up there.

4. Coughs and Sniffles Have Become a Norm at Home

Ground-level ozone itself can aggravate bronchitis and emphysema. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and rodent droppings can also trigger allergies and asthma. Over time, cold-like symptoms can develop even in people who are in generally good health.

If any of this has been happening more often at home, chances are, you have filthy ducts.

5. Your Home Stays Too Cold or Too Warm Even With the HVAC Running

The dirtier your ducts are, the dirtier your HVAC filters become. The more clogged your HVAC filters are, the more limited their flow of air is. This, in turn, can lead to inadequate heating or cooling of your home.

6. Your Electric Bills Keep Rising

Airflow obstruction can result in incorrect HVAC thermostat readings. If this happens, your heater or AC may try to compensate by working harder and running longer. Ultimately, this increased workload will lead to higher energy bills.

Get Those Dusty Ducts Cleaned and Sanitized Now

There you have it, some of the most common signs that you have dusty ducts. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s best to have them inspected and cleaned. As a bonus, having them checked will also uncover duct leaks, which can be wasting up to 30% of your conditioned air.

Looking for more ways to boost your home’s livability? Then be sure to check out this site’s Houses and Interiors pages for more guides like this!