Why You Have Sticky Residue In Your Air Ducts and How To Fix It…

If you detect any sticky residue in your air ducts, you most likely have a moisture concern. Moisture is a precursor to a more significant issue that may worsen over time. Dirt and grime amplify when moisture comes in contact. The mixture may gather together to sit and solidify in your vent system. The issue usually says there is an issue with your air conditioning system. Experts advise having your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start. However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average. Dust, grime, dirt, and debris are all culprits of a malfunctioning HVAC unit. In this article, we have a few preventative measures to take for this condition.

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?

Changing the air filters in your HVAC system is an essential practice that ensures clean air circulates throughout your home. A flawed filtration system leads to an excess buildup in your air ducts. Moisture is a precursor to a more significant issue that may worsen over time. Air filters trap pet hair, dust, and other irritating particles so that your air conditioning system delivers fresh, clean air back into your home. Eventually, the filter traps so much dust and debris that air can’t properly filter or travel to the HVAC unit. An HVAC system has to work hard to pull air through a clogged filter. This continuous strain on the unit can cause it to break, causing you to pay for expensive repairs or replacements. The best suggestion is to replace the filter every 2 to 3 months for proper maintenance.

The Reason For Dirt Streaks Around Air Ducts

There are a few sources that can be responsible for dirt streaking around AC vents. Dirt streaking can be aggravated by factors such as excessive moisture (which can cause certain particles to develop a sticky quality) or very little moisture (which causes particles to be attracted to surfaces). Finding the source of the dirt is the very first step to solving the problem. Inspect the AC ducts to see if they are dirty or not. If they are clean, then you can rule out duct and filter issues. Now you have to figure out whether the dirt is stemming from the room or an unsealed supply boot. If the dirt source is external then sealing any gaps around the supply boot penetration will usually alleviate the problem.

Is Professional Air Duct Cleaning A Waste Of Money?

There are many benefits that come along with choosing a professional air duct cleaning company for all of your duct cleaning needs. The normal homeowner does not spend thousands of dollars to own the correct equipment. This can make all the difference when it comes to cleaning your ducts. A household shop vacuum will not do the job, no matter how frequently you have cleaned your ducts. These vacuums do not have near the power you will want. They also lack the right filters and construction necessary to prevent the dust, dirt, pollens, and spores that are removed out of your vents to be redistributed back into your home. It is easy to just vacuum up the loose dirt and dust in a vent, but it is much harder to actually clean that duct and get it back to its original state when it was first installed. This requires a much deeper and more professional clean. Not only will a professional company have the time and equipment to get your ducts perfectly clean, but they will also have the equipment to disinfect your ducts. Keeping up with household maintenance is a daunting task. Let a professional air duct cleaning team fix your ventilation issues and save you money in the long run on your HAVC equipment.