An Air-conditioning (AC) system is a lot like your roof—you might not think about it much until something goes wrong!
Little by little, you may notice small problems indoors, such as uneven temperatures or strange noises. Worse still, your AC system might not alert you to any issues until a costly repair or replacement is necessary.
That’s why AC servicing and cleaning are an essential part of annual maintenance for every home, especially when it comes to the often overlooked AC ducts. Addressing small issues early and ensuring your ducts are cleaned at reasonable intervals ensures that your system runs efficiently year-round, keeping your home comfortable and your family safe.
When the ducts are dirty, indoor air quality is compromised, your DEWA bill increases and allergies worsen.
But, the question remains—how do you know when your home needs AC duct cleaning?
5 Signs to Look Out For
The AC ductwork is responsible for moving air throughout the house, supplying cool or warm air to maintain your indoor comfort. Over time, AC ducts naturally collect dirt, dust, and, in some cases, mould or parasites. That’s why it’s important to arrange for a professional AC cleaning service to keep your system efficient and your air quality high.
If you haven’t yet scheduled cleaning or want to confirm whether your ducts need servicing, watch out for the following tell-tale signs.
1. Dirt or Dust Around the Vents or Grills
The first warning sign is a visual cue: dirt or dust. When a lot of contaminants flow through the ducts, dirt, dust, or other debris get left behind around the vents or grills. The vents are where warm or cool air flows through different rooms in your home.
If the vents are dirty, the air flowing through the home will likely be dirty. Dirty air can trigger allergies, and in long-term cases, cause respiratory health issues.
So when you see the vents or grills looking dusty and dirty, use a paint brush to brush off the dirt. You can also use warm water and soap if the brush isn’t doing the job,
2. Visible Mould
Condensation can build up in your AC system. Sometimes, this can show up as mould around the vents. Mould tends to have a velvety, fuzzy texture and can appear as flecks or as long, flask-shaped spores. They might smell like rotten meat.
If you notice signs of mould, it is best to call an AC duct cleaning service to determine whether there is mould and to remediate it safely.
A professional service will also ensure that the source of the mould is corrected to prevent future growth.
3. Indoor Odour Retention or Foul-Smelling Air
If you’re encountering persistent bad smells that don’t seem to dissipate even after cleaning your home, it could be a sign that your AC ducts need attention. These odours can be caused by the accumulation of dust, mould, and other pollutants within the duct system, which are then circulated throughout your home every time the system runs. Addressing these issues not only improves the air quality but also enhances your living environment.
4. Insect or Rat Infestation
When dust, dirt and other debris collect in the AC ducts, pests take it as a welcome sign to nest. Insects, rats, cockroaches and other pests can breed in the ducts, damaging your AC system and compromising the air quality in your home.
Although an AC system isn’t the only opportunity for pests to invade your home, its job of ensuring quality airflow requires attention. If you notice signs of pests—such as strange noises, unpleasant odours or droppings—contact pest control first, then arrange for a duct cleaning service.
5. Inefficient AC
Dust, dirt, and other debris buildup can also cause your AC system to work harder than when it was new. That means the system might take longer to cool your home.
You might have to run the system longer or start it earlier to get comfortable indoors. In extreme weather conditions, an inefficient AC will not be effective and become costly to use.
6. Respiratory Issues or Aggravated Allergies
When your AC ducts are filled with dust, pet hair or mould spores, you may notice an increase in allergy symptoms or respiratory issues among household members. These can manifest as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, especially in those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Clean air ducts help to ensure that the air circulating through your home is free from harmful contaminants, thereby reducing the risk of allergy flare-ups and respiratory complications.
7. Unusual Increase in the Energy Bill
A final sign to take note of that’ll tell you your AC ducts have to be cleaned is a higher-than-usual energy bill. If your DEWA bills start to look like you live with five or 10 other people but it’s just you and your spouse, it may be time to get your AC serviced.
How Often Should You Get AC Duct Cleaning?
You don’t have to get your AC ducts cleaned monthly or annually. In most cases, cleaning every 18 months to 2 years is sufficient, unless you notice signs of mould or pest infestation. If that’s the case, don’t wait three to five years to get the ducts cleaned.
AC ducts are just one part of your AC system; other parts need attention, too. The system might need AC coil cleaning, the filters might need replacement, or the electrical connections need tightening.
The Largest and Most Reliable Maintenance Company in Dubai
At We Will Fix It, we’ve come up with a simple, cost-effective solution to ensuring your home receives all essential maintenance requirements, including AC servicing.
Our annual maintenance contract gives you access to 24/7 emergency services, electrical and plumbing inspections and repairs, and AC maintenance services, giving you peace of mind year-round.
Contact We Will Fix It today and let us know how we can help you,
