With the return of warmer weather, allergy season is upon us. As building owners prepare to transition into spring, there are a few important considerations to keep your building safe while humidity rises.
One of the most crucial home care steps is vent and air duct cleaning — the cleanliness of your vents can make or break your ventilation system. But how often do you need to clean your vents, and what are the real advantages of keeping them clear? Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of vent cleaning:
How to know if you need a vent cleaning
If you suspect it’s time for a cleaning, chances are you’re probably correct. Here are some telltale signs that you should clear out your dryer and HVAC vents.
- Increased dust accumulation: With spring’s arrival in the Atlanta area, higher levels of pollen are standard. It’s normal to see more dust in the springtime, but if there’s a high buildup in your home or office, cleaning your vents could provide relief. Keeping vents clear will limit dust accumulation and allow for proper air circulation.
- Musty odors in your home or office: Especially in humid climates, improper vent cleaning can cause mold growth due to poor airflow keeping moisture trapped. For instance, vents in your kitchen and bathroom have been collecting warm moisture all winter. Musty odors may be a sign that mold is growing in your vents. Be sure to call in a professional from Paces Restoration if you find mold.
- Rising energy bills without increased usage: Dirty vents will cause your HVAC system to work harder as your heating or air conditioning systems attempt to push air through dust-clogged air ducts. If you notice that your energy bill is higher than normal without increased or excessive usage, you likely need an air duct cleaning.
The benefits of vent cleaning for home and business owners
Regularly clearing the dust from vents has long-term benefits for the health of your building. Here are the uses for cleaning your vents consistently:
- Healthier living and working spaces: When you clean your vents, you remove allergens, mold and contaminants from your ventilation system. If you do find mold in your vents or suspect mold growth, you will want a Paces Restoration mold damage restoration professional who has experience dealing with hazardous materials to clean them.
- Enhanced fire safety: Even if you clean out your dryer vents after each use, you will need to do a thorough yearly cleaning as an added measure to prevent dryer fires. Don’t risk a devastating home fire by failing to complete a yearly dryer vent cleaning.
- Cost savings: To keep your heating, ventilation, and cooling out of sight and mind, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the HVAC system every 2-3 years. Doing so will ensure that your vent system doesn’t utilize too much energy and drive up your bills. Plus, maintaining system longevity prevents costly repairs.
The risks of not cleaning the vents on your property
Why should building owners care about proper vent cleaning? Georgia’s humid climate means proper ventilation is extra important. Pollen and humidity can contribute to a quicker buildup of mold and allergens in your ventilation systems. As we head towards spring in the Atlanta area, clearing your vents out is proper building care.
Failing to clean your dryer vents increases the risk of house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryer fires are responsible for $233 million in property damage annually. It is best to be proactive, but of course, accidents still occur. In the event of a tragedy, Paces Restoration offers fire and smoke damage restoration.
Additionally, city living presents unique challenges for your ventilation system. If you live in the metro Atlanta area, pollution and dust are more common than in rural areas. Thus, regularly cleaning your HVAC system is crucial. Your health and safety in your own home is our priority at Paces Restoration, and we’re proud to help Georgia residents keep their homes hazard-free.
What to do if you find mold in your vents
If you’re cleaning your vents and discover mold, don’t attempt mold removal on your own. Unlike regular vent cleaning, mold removal is something that should be left up to the professionals. Call Paces Restoration at 679-466-1800 for an experienced professional from our mold restoration services unit to clear hazardous allergens from your vents.
