Due to the COVID-19 crisis and recent heatwaves, everyone has spent much of their summer indoors. And while watching the year’s finest season pass by can feel disappointing, at least we can relax in cool indoor air. Your home’s air system works hard, especially when it works almost constantly during the summer; don’t you want to ensure that it continues doing so properly?
As we’ve discussed, routine inspections of your HVAC system can prevent major issues. This, in turn, saves you from the hassle and expense of replacing parts. But do you know what problems can arise in your heating and cooling system? Or what the warning signs of those problems are? At R.A. Dobson, we empower clients with our expertise, so that you will know when to call the pros for air quality inspection or excellent air cleaning service! This is why our customers throughout Sterling and Northern Virginia become repeat customers and why they refer us to others in need of HVAC services.
The list below lays out the hazards that air systems face, as well as the signs you should watch out for:
Mold Growth
Conditions in every home differ. Those with allergies or chronic illness can be extra sensitive to irritants, like dust. However, given their daily usage and the constant prevalence of irritants, air ducts will always contain some amount of dust and other contaminants.
But one thing calls for immediate action: visible mold growth in air ducts. Both mold and mildew present health risks to occupants, especially residents with a compromised health status. And since many parts of a home air system cannot be easily accessed, you may be unable to see how much there is.
Of course, only an expert can determine whether mold is present. If you suspect there’s mold in your air ducts, contact us for an inspection as soon as possible.
Rodent & Pest Infestation
Although it is hair-raising to think about, air ducts provide ideal homes for all manner of insects and other pests. And beyond their obnoxious presence, these vermin bring in microbes, diseases, and other health concerns. Thus, you must be on the lookout for their presence.
The most noxious sign will be a foul odor coming from the vents in your home: the smells of urine, feces, and rotting food. You may also see droppings appear in your air ducts. Given mice’s breeding speed, the sight of droppings should send you running for an exterminator.
Another sign is the sound of wildlife in your air system (snuffles and movement coming from within your home’s walls). And though it may stem from other causes, a reduction in your air system’s efficiency may be a byproduct of infestation.
Excessive Dust and Debris
As noted above, your air system will always contain some amount of dust. It can never be fully eliminated, though R.A. Dobson’s air purification installations can help to reduce the amount of dust in the air. But dust becomes a problem when it collects excessively inside your home’s ductwork.
Signs of this include strange or musty smells in your house (such as when you first turn on your heater for the winter), which indicate a buildup of dust and dirt. You might also notice it floating in the air since dust in the ductwork also becomes dust in the air.
Choose Professional Air Cleaning Services in Sterling, VA
If you want your air system cleaned, even without warning signs, reach out to the local experts at R.A. Dobson for an inspection. If we find anything, you can rest assured that our professional air cleaning service will treat your home with the care it deserves. Over the past 45+ years, folks in Sterling and across Northern Virginia have turned to R.A. Dobson for air system replacement, inspection, and installation. We offer the latest in energy-efficient heating and air conditioning technology. Call us today at (703) 481-3700 to request a free estimate or schedule a service!