Get matched with top air duct cleaners in Columbus, NM

One of the most common but overlooked symptoms of damaged ductwork is a spike in your utilities bill or an inability to heat or cool the house as you previously could. When ductwork is damaged, it tends to bleed air, and the result is you're paying to cool or heat your crawl space instead of your house. For handy DIYers, you might be able to find the damage by going into your crawl space, but for those unable to, you should pay a professional for an air duct inspection.

Clean return air vents by using a microfiber cloth soaked in warm, soapy water (or a mild cleaning solution, like vinegar and water). Wipe the interior of the vents, paying close attention to the corners and crevices where dust likes to hide. Use a vacuum brush attachment or handheld model instead of a cloth if desired. Additionally, once or twice a year, remove your air vents and soak them in warm soapy water for 30 minutes before cleaning, drying, and putting them back on.

During your HVAC preseason maintenance call, your contractor will inspect the system for any problems and make small adjustments for better efficiency. Tasks include, though are not limited to: 

• Changing filters

• Checking the thermostat

• Clearing away dust and debris

• Checking for mold

• Inspecting electrical elements

• Inspecting condensate lines and drain

• Cleaning evaporator coils

• Ensuring ignition function

While you can do some of these services yourself, hiring a professional to keep HVAC equipment running can be helpful. These experts know what to look for and may be able to spot potential issues before they become problems. Many HVAC companies offer annual maintenance plans.

If adjusting your dampers is not giving you the performance you want, such as a reduction in energy bills, you may want to consider the cost to reroute ductwork. You may have a poorly designed system that doesn’t meet your home’s needs. If you added on to the home, for example, this could explain the need to add or reroute some ductwork to help the dampers work better.