Duct inspections come into the picture when you are looking for a new house or planning on a few renovations or a maintenance routine in your existing home. Ducts are the passages used for ventilation, air conditioning, and heating, making them an essential part of indoor health checks. However, letting the ducts work in lousy shape can have several adverse effects and may bring on expensive issues in the future.

You need a duct inspection, which determines if your ducts are dirty and in need of cleaning. The process of cleaning the whole ductwork inside a residential or commercial space is done with a high-power vacuum and other professional tools.

Unlike other things in our home, ductwork systems might not have a stamp to keep track of their age. If only the ducting is present since the start, you can understand the age, but otherwise, it can be difficult. For example, a ductwork system usually works well for a decade but might show signs like cracking, sagging, or detaching at joints even in that period. Another known issue is the use of asbestos, which is a hazardous mineral that was widely used in constructing buildings. Long-term inhalation may cause impaired respiratory function. Such problems can cause major issues like poor or inefficient air circulation. Hence, it is essential to perform regular duct inspections every three to five years (recommended).

Signs That Tell Your House Needs a Duct Inspection

• There can be extreme deposits of dust and debris particles in the ducts. As a result, you may even see dust particles coming out of the vents.
• The dust particles may restrict the airflow, and hence, you may experience inconsistent airflow in some corners or areas.
• You may notice very little or no airflow from some of the vents. The modern HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems detect if the air reaches its desired temperature and adjust accordingly. If there is a blockage in the vents, the system will run for a more extended period and produce a higher utility bill.
• There might be a weird odor coming out from the vents, indicating mold in some situations.

Benefits of Performing Duct Inspections

It improves the indoor air quality

Over the years, the accumulation of debris, dust, and dirt constantly mixing with the circulating heated or cooled air can hamper the air quality drastically. The pollutants can include insects, dust mites, dander, lead, spores, and other allergens, which can cause serious health problems. With duct inspection and cleaning, keep the air quality pristine and the allergies & respiratory complications away.

It keeps the unpleasant odors away

Like dust particles, odors can also stay in the ducts for a long time. As a result, the smell coming from cooking, paint fumes, smoke, pets, or even mold can keep circulating all through the house. The problem can get out of hand and make the residents nauseous or have frequent headaches. The duct inspection and cleaning will remove all these odor-trapping particles and freshen the air.

It boosts the efficiency of the HVAC systems

Problems because of dust accumulation can go to the level of blockage in the vents. The blockage results in the air conditioner or furnace working harder to provide the needed heating or cooling. This will significantly decrease the efficiency and may damage the HVAC system in the long run. Hence by cleaning the ducts, you can boost efficiency and let air flow freely through the system.

It will be cost-effective

With the wear and tear from several years and deterioration due to dust and other pollutants, the HVAC system will work harder and longer to keep up the consistency in airflow. This will cause your utility bills to skyrocket in the long run. However, regular maintenance and cleaning will reduce energy consumption considerably and help you save on the bills.

It is good practice to keep your ductwork inspected, cleaned, and maintained regularly. Keeping your ducts clean helps keep your HVAC system running efficiently, keep your utility bills within limits, and keep the airflow clean for you. 

Are you looking for a professional to do the work for you? Consider Atlantic Building Inspections, one of the trusted brands with 20+ years in home inspections. Connect with us today, and let us do it right for you!