We would all like to pretend that our HVAC systems don’t need regular care and attention. In fact, most of us would prefer not to think about it at all. But the truth is that our HVAC systems need regular maintenance, including HVAC vent cleaning. But how often should you have your vents professionally cleaned? And does it really matter if you do?
Here are the reasons why people and businesses choose to have their vents cleaned, why they do so regularly, and some telltale signs that you are long overdue for HVAC vent cleaning in your building or home.
The Dangers of Unclean Ducts
Every year, the United States experiences thousands of fires that can be traced back to dirty vents, especially dryer vents in residential and commercial spaces. These fires cause millions of dollars of damage and cause a few deaths as well, making them a dangerous and preventable issue.
The truth is that most fires related to vents may be prevented by regular HVAC vent cleaning services. When you sign up for these services, you get someone who understands vents and removing potentially flammable materials from the whole system. This reduces your chances of experiencing a fire related to unclean ducts and vents yourself.
How Often You Should Have Your Ducts Cleaned
The truth is that there is no hard and fast rule for regular HVAC vent cleaning. The amount you will need depends on several factors. First among them is the type of building you have. If it’s a small residential home, you likely will need your dryer vents cleaned out annually. Depending on the home, you may benefit from more regular vent cleaning.
Large commercial or industrial spaces that make a lot of use of HVAC systems may need more frequent HVAC vent cleaning. This is especially true for businesses and operations that do a lot of laundry, such as linen rental outfits or hotels. For these businesses, you may need vent cleaning and inspections multiple times a year.
The next major factor is the type of HVAC system you have. One of the advantages of choosing a professional HVAC company for vent cleaning services is that you will have a trained expert looking at your system. It’s essentially a free inspection with your vent servicing. Having someone regularly looking at your system can mean you can get ahead of any potential problems long before they turn into major issues. That saves you money in the long run.
The best way to figure out how often you need your vents cleaned is to contact your local HVAC specialists who offer the service. They can offer you a professional opinion on how often your vents should be cleaned based on the factors above.
Top Signs that You Need HVAC Vent Cleaning
Now that we have looked at why businesses have their vents cleaned and how often, let’s look at the signs your vents may be overdue for a cleaning. Here are the top three most common signs that it’s time to call in the professionals for an HVAC vent cleaning.
1. Dust comes out: if your HVAC system is pushing out dust from the vents, then there is likely a lot of buildup in the system. This is one of the most common signs and one that means you should have it addressed right away.
2. Monthly bill increases: most people don’t realize that dirty vents force their HVAC systems to work harder. If your bills are more than you expect, it may be a sign that your vents need cleaned.
3. Mold in the system: if you have mold in your vents then you will need to invest in HVAC vent cleaning immediately. Not only is mold indicative of a larger problem, but the spores mold releases can also be harmful to people in the building.
Always Seek Professionals for HVAC Vent Cleaning
No matter your building, HVAC system or industry, it can pay to have your vents regularly cleaned by HVAC professionals. In fact, HVAC vent cleaning might reduce your chances of experiencing a devastating fire that could ruin your life or business. If it has been a while since you’ve had your vents cleaned and HVAC system inspected, now’s the time to call in the professionals.