Tag: cleaning

Person cleaning a ceiling vent with a bristle tool, showcasing Air Works Heating & Air maintenance services.

The Essentials of Air Duct Cleaning

Why Ductwork Cleaning Should Be on a Homeowner’s Maintenance List

While the heating and air conditioning unit is the heart of the HVAC, the air ducts are the arteries that send the temperature-controlled air throughout the home. Just as the arteries need to be clear to get blood and oxygen to the rest of the body, air ducts need to be clean to keep the home comfortable. Fortunately, duct cleaning is much easier than cleaning out arteries. This article will cover the basics of professional duct cleaning.

Why Clean Air Ducts?

As the introduction states, air ducts are an important part of the overall HVAC system. There are many reasons to have air ducts cleaned. Let’s go over them in a bulleted list.

  • Clean ducts mean a more energy-efficient system.
  • Clean air ducts mean more consistent temperatures.
  • Clean air ducts can mean lower utility bills.
  • Clean air ducts mean better indoor air quality.

Cleaner air ducts and regular HVAC maintenance can improve the quality of life around the house, especially for those with chronic respiratory difficulties. The money savings can make it easier to relax while still being comfortable.

Signs of Dirty Air Ducts

Dirty air vent with visible dust and debris, indicating the need for air duct cleaning and HVAC maintenance.One might ask how a homeowner knows when to clean their ducts. Well, several telltale signs point to a need for duct cleaning. These indicators can also point to a more serious issue with the HVAC system, and the household should keep up with their annual professional maintenance to ensure that everything is working properly. Signs that air ducts need cleaning are listed below.

  • Dirty Air Filters: If the air filters or the vents look dirty, then it is likely that the ducts need to be cleaned as well.
  • Foul Smells: Musty smells are typically what a homeowner would get from dirty ducts, but the smell can be much worse if there is a pest problem.
  • Poor Air Flow: Reduced airflow in certain parts of the house can mean a duct that needs cleaning.
  • Uneven Temperature Control: If some of the airflow is hindered, some parts of the house won’t get as much heat or cooling as the rest of the house. This hinders the efficiency of the whole HVAC system.
  • Whistling sounds: If hissing or whistling is coming from the vents, the ducts either need to be cleaned or have some damage that needs to be inspected.

Tricks for Keeping the Ductwork Clean

Person changing air filter in HVAC system to maintain cleaner air ducts and improve air quality.Though annual AC maintenance and heating maintenance will help keep the ducts clean, there are other things that a homeowner can do to keep their air ducts clean. Keeping the home dust-free through dusting, vacuuming, and mopping will help keep the air quality high and the ducts cleaner. Changing air filters every three months also facilitates keeping the air ducts clean.

About Air Works Heating & Air

Air Works Heating & Air is a family-owned and operated business that serves Franklinton, NC, and the surrounding communities. This company is a proud North America Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) member, has highly skilled and trained technicians, and focuses on providing honest and transparent services. Call today for NATE-certified technicians and flat-rate pricing on duct cleaning in Franklinton, NC!

Air conditioning unit evaporator coil with metal and copper tubing on cardboard, set against green grass for HVAC services.

Symptoms an Evaporator Coil Needs Cleaning

Signs You Need Professional Evaporator Coil Cleaning

An evaporator coil plays an integral part in keeping homes cool. These components allow air conditioners to remove hot air and disperse cooled air throughout a home. To prevent these problems from interfering with an air conditioner and causing a home to become uncomfortable, homeowners should schedule professional coil cleaning services. These services will allow an AC unit to operate more energy efficiently and better cool a home.

Homeowners should schedule evaporator coil services if their HVAC is not properly cooling their house if frost builds up on the component, or if other problems prevent it from properly cooling the house.

Loss of Cooling Function

Woman sitting at a desk with a laptop, appearing stressed and overheated, holding a water bottle, with a fan in the background, illustrating the importance of effective cooling and HVAC maintenance.One symptom homeowners need to be aware of that can indicate they need to schedule evaporator coil cleaning services is if their house is not cooling to the setting on the thermostat. A dirty coil can prevent the air conditioner from properly cooling a house. 

This can be due to:

  • Frost or ice built up on the coil
  • Refrigerant leaks
  • Coil corrosion or damage to the component
  • Clogged coils due to dust, dirt, or debris 

If homeowners notice these symptoms, they should call an HVAC contractor and schedule evaporator coil cleaning services.

Frost

Frost buildup on an evaporator coil in an HVAC unit, indicating potential cooling issues and the need for professional AC coil cleaning services.Frost on an evaporator coil can require professional AC coil cleaning services to remove it and allow an air conditioner to work correctly. 

If frost accumulates on a coil, it can prevent airflow from properly going through the coil. This can happen for various reasons, including a clogged air filter or a blocked vent. This prevents the coil from correctly absorbing heat and producing cooled air. 

Property owners must call for professional services immediately if they have frozen evaporator coils.

The AC Runs Longer

Homeowners should also look for signs that their air conditioner is running longer than necessary to determine if they have dirty evaporator coils. Symptoms of longer cycles can be seen in rising utility bills. 

This happens when an evaporator coil is dirty and cannot correctly cool the house to the desired temperature. It can cause the AC unit to run continuously by:

  • Reducing the cooling efficiency due to frost buildup or dirt accumulation
  • Failing to absorb heat from the air correctly
  • Overworking due to a faulty heat exchange process
  • Inconsistent cooling throughout the house
  • A malfunctioning sensor that prevents the air conditioner from turning off

Homeowners should schedule AC evaporator coil cleaning services with a professional if they notice any of these issues. An AC contractor will inspect the component and the entire AC system and perform necessary repairs or services. 

About Air Works Heating & Air

Since 2007, Air Works Heating & Air has provided Raleigh with quality air conditioning and furnace services. They offer 100% satisfaction guaranteed for all services and provide straightforward pricing to all clients. Call them today for HVAC services in Franklinton, NC.