Just as with your car, your home's cooling and heating units will perform at their best with regular maintenance. Air duct cleaning is a part of that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) longevity plan.

Even if you replace filters as often as you should, your HVAC system will still get dirty from regular use. Unfortunately, your air ducts, in particular, are a great hiding place for allergens, dirt, and dust. These air pollutants and contaminants can hurt your indoor air quality and cause your system to work harder, boosting your energy bills and decreasing your system's lifespan.

If you're not sure whether your ducts need to be cleaned, consider whether you're experiencing any of these red flags.  

The Scent of Mold in the Air

Mold can spread throughout a home quickly and cause a whole host of health problems for those inside. Your HVAC system can develop condensation, leading to mold growth in your ducts.

You might see mold on your vent covers. However, since many of your system components aren't easy to access, mold in the air ducts may be tough to spot visually. Instead, you are smelling its musty odor.

Take prompt action to preserve your home's air quality if you think you have mold in your air ducts. An air duct cleaning technician will be able to remove the mold and tell you how to prevent its return.

Dust Appearing Everywhere

Have you noticed your home is dusty even though you clean regularly? Even the cleanest home might have pet dander, dust, dirt, and other debris in the air ducts.

You may even see dust coming out of your vents every time your HVAC system turns on. Look at the air return and supply vents around your home. If they are visibly dusty or dirty, remove the cover and look into your ductwork. If you spot dirt inside and outside of the cover, it's time to have the ductwork professional cleaned.

Rising Energy Costs

Your cooking and heating costs should be pretty predictable year after year. If you notice a bill spike, particularly when you compare it to the bill at the same time last year, dirty ductwork might be the culprit.

If your ductwork is so dirty that air can no longer flow freely throughout your home's system, your cooling and heating appliances have to work much harder to maintain the right temperature. This will cause higher energy bills.

Even if something else is causing your high energy bills, your air duct technician will rule out leaks or dirt as the cause so you can address the real root of your problem.

For more information, contact a duct cleaning service in your area.