Yes, dirty air ducts restrict airflow, reducing your HVAC's efficiency. This forces your system to work harder, increasing energy costs and wear and tear on your HVAC. Reduced airflow leads to uneven heating or cooling, seriously reduced indoor air quality, and can potentially trigger allergies or respiratory issues.

You can experience respiratory problems if your return air vents are dirty. While this doesn’t necessarily mean dirty return air vents will make you sick, they can exacerbate symptoms of respiratory illness, such as sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. This is due to the extra contaminants in the air, which may include allergens and dander that can affect people with allergy sensitivities.

You can adjust uneven airflow in your home by adjusting the dampers on the vents. However, if the temperature feels consistent throughout the home, don’t worry too much about uneven airflow. Generally speaking, larger rooms should receive more airflow than smaller rooms, especially if they only have one vent.

Yes, you can rent air duct cleaning equipment from many home improvement stores or equipment rental companies. Options may include high-powered vacuums, rotary brushes, and negative air machines. Renting professional-grade tools can provide a deeper clean than a standard vacuum, but proper technique is still essential for effective results.