Do You Need Air Duct Cleaning?

Testing For Air Duct Cleaning Needs

If you have a central HVAC unit, you know you have ducts that supply the rooms with forced air. Those ducts have to be cleaned from time to time or the quality of the air will decrease and the quantity will go down as well. Dirty air ducts lead to an inefficient system that will make your blower motor run harder and your checkbook put out more for bills. There are a number of things that will tell you that you need to have an air duct cleaning. Use these steps to test your ducts to see if they need to be cleaned out.

Step 1: Replace The Filter

Clogged filters will blow dirty air through your ducts and make it look like you need a duct cleaning, even if you don’t. The filter is one test item that can help you determine what’s really in the ducts. Put in a fresh one before you start testing the ducts.

Step 2: Turn On The AC

Watch a vent when the AC kicks on and the motor starts running. If you see a blast of dust come out of the vent right when the motor starts, you probably need an air duct cleaning.

Step 3: Listen To Airflow

Listen to the air flowing through the ductwork when the AC runs. There shouldn’t be other noises outside of the motor blower. If you hear a whistling noise or another noisy, there might be something blocked in the ductwork somewhere. A blockage can come from dirt, broken off filters, a piece of insulation getting stuck, or a number of other things. All of these problems must be resolved with air duct cleaning.

Step 4: Check Airflow

Walk from room to room and see that the vents are fully open. You may notice that there is less airflow in one room as opposed to another, which may call for air duct cleaning as well.

Step 5: Check Return Air Inlets

These are often located on the floor and things can sometimes drop into those vents. They can starve the motor blower for air and cause issues. IF you see a blockage in the air vents, you need air duct cleaning.

Running The Test

All you really need to run the test is a new air filter. Make sure the return air vents aren’t covered by furniture, toys, pillows, or anything else that can lay flat on top of them and impede airflow. Once you listen carefully and check everything over, you may be able to tell whether or not you need an air duct cleaning.

Call The Professionals

If you’re sure you need air duct cleaning, or you want someone to tell you one way or another, contact Stephens Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ve been working with ducts for over 30 years and we can tell you whether or not yours need to be cleaned out. We won’t tell you that you need a cleaning unless we truly believe it is the best option for your home!