You may not often think about your heating and cooling system, but it’s a crucial part of your home. Dirty vents can cause all sorts of problems—from increased energy bills to an unpleasant odor in certain rooms. Luckily, several signs you can look for will tell you if your vents are dirty or clogged and need to be cleaned.
A Strange Odor
If you notice a strange odor when you turn on your heating and cooling system, there are several possible causes.
The most common culprits are biological odors (aka “bio-odors”), which can be caused by mold, mildew, or pollen in the ductwork. If this is the case, it’s important to note that ventilation systems are not designed for air filtration and will not remove these contaminants from the air.
You've Noticed An Increase In Your Utility Bills
If you have noticed an increase in your utility bills, it’s time to check the vents. If there is a pattern where your bills increase during certain months, then this could be due to dirty vents. It is also likely time for a new air filter.
To determine if the problem is with your vents or filters, check to see if this issue only happens during specific seasons. If so, it may be due to dirty vents causing humidity issues in your home that cause mold and mildew growth on clothing, furniture, and other dry goods inside of your home, which will result in increased utility bills as well.
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Certain Rooms Of The House Are Colder Or Hotter Than Others
If you notice that certain rooms of your house are colder or hotter than others, it’s possible that your vents are clogged. The air is not flowing properly through the vents, so the temperature in each room cannot be regulated to maintain a comfortable level.
Clogged vents also lead to an inefficient heating and cooling system. It may be working at full capacity but need to deliver more heat or cool air into each room because of clogs within the ductwork that connect all parts of your HVAC system.
This poor performance can cause higher energy bills and unnecessary wear on equipment over time as well as potential health problems due to insufficient ventilation or improper circulation within a room (for example, mold).
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Air Duct Cleaning Cost Estimate
Air Duct Cleaning Cost Estimate
Checking Your Dryer Vents for Dirt
You should look first at the vent when trying to identify the cause of your dryer’s problems. If it’s blocked by lint, pet hair, dust, debris or insects, and other pests, then your dryer will not work properly.
The easiest way to determine if this is the case is by observing whether the temperature above your dryer is unusually hot. If so, then it’s possible that dirt is causing a blockage in your dryer vents.
Conclusion
If you have noticed any of these signs, it’s time for a professional inspection. Contacting a certified technician is the best way to determine if your vents need cleaning or replacing. Don’t wait until it’s too late—waiting can cause more damage and costly repairs!
