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Figuring out why you have a musty smell in your house is the first step to getting rid of it. Mold or mildew is most likely causing the unpleasant odor. People use these terms interchangeably, but they’re actually different.

Mold is a fungus that loves to grow in moist, humid places. It’s typically black or green and has a raised, uneven texture. Stay vigilant for signs mold may be growing in your home. 

You’ll find mildew growing on your shower walls and in your bathroom’s nooks and crannies. It’s a specific type of mold that grows flat. Mildew is usually white, gray, or yellow.

A calculation method that your HVAC contractor will use to ensure your system does what it's supposed to is measuring duct output, or its CFM. The calculation requires knowing the cross-sectional area of the ductwork and determining the air speed past any given point within it.

Forced-air heating systems should be professionally inspected and maintained at least once per year to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently. During this visit, a technician will check all key components of the HVAC system, including the furnace or heat pump, air conditioner, and ductwork. On average, a professional HVAC inspection costs around $300. Proper maintenance can reduce health risks and prolong the system's lifespan. In between professional inspections, you should also perform basic maintenance, such as changing your air filters and cleaning dust from around the vents.

Different air vents may go by other terms, including registers, vent covers, grilles, return vents, or supply vents. Registers are the moving slats that can open or close the vent, while grilles or grills are the same as vent covers, the piece of plastic or metal over the vent opening. Supply vents move the warm or cool air from the air ducts into a room, while return vents pull air from a room back to the HVAC system for conditioning.