Best air duct cleaners near Belen, NM

After you clean mildew or mold that appears in your home, you expect the nasty odor to disappear, too. Sometimes, though, the odor can linger after cleaning. To get rid of a mold smell, you may need to clean the area every few days for a few weeks. Use a dehumidifier or fans to try to remove moisture from the area. If the odor remains after a few weeks, you may still have mold or mildew in the area. Call a mold testing professional for another inspection.

Return air ducts should generally not be installed in rooms with high humidity, contaminants, or strong odors. This includes bathrooms, kitchens, garages, closets, attics, and furnace or boiler rooms. Placing vents in these areas can draw moisture, fumes, odors, and potentially hazardous gases like carbon monoxide into your HVAC system, which can damage ductwork, promote mold growth, and compromise your home's indoor air quality and safety. According to the International Code Council, there are some exceptions. For example, a return duct may be placed in a kitchen if it is at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances and serves only that room. Similarly, a garage can have a return duct if it is part of a dedicated forced-air system that only serves the garage. For optimal performance, prioritize installing return air vents in central locations and rooms with consistent temperature needs, such as bedrooms and living spaces. If you are unsure, consult a professional duct installer for guidance.

To unclog an air duct, you’ll need to hire an air duct specialist to clean the ductwork. Air ducts are too tricky for a homeowner to access without special equipment, so a pro must thoroughly clear out a clog caused by dust and dirt buildup. However, if furnishings block your air ducts, you can move the furniture away from the vents to get the system to work correctly again.

If you have a fresh air intake as part of your HVAC system, the interior vents should be near your furnace or other gas appliances inside your home. From the outside of your property, your HVAC fresh air intake location is usually near the ground (although it may also be higher up, like on the roof or attic).