FAQ
Thank you for your interest in Vent Kings. We’ve taken the time to listen to our customers’ concerns and frequently asked questions. We’ve compiled this page of valuable information to provide the answers our customers are looking for. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more details about HVAC, air duct, and vent cleaning.
HVAC
Mold
We all understand that dust can negatively impact our health—but mold is a whole new ballgame. It can spread quickly through your home, exacerbating respiratory problems and allergies.
It’s important to know that your cooling and heating systems can develop condensation, leading to mold growth in your ductwork, especially when you live in a humid environment. You may notice mold near your vent covers; however, many cooling and heating system components are difficult to access, making it difficult to detect mold visually. That being said, you’ll still likely notice a musty odor.
If you have mold in your ducts, it’s crucial to take immediate action to preserve your building’s air quality. Call on one of our technicians to identify and remediate any issues while simultaneously preventing them from recurring.
We also recommend taking additional precautions to prevent excess moisture, such as optimizing your thermostat or installing a whole-home dehumidifier. Remember: if the conditions that caused the mold aren’t corrected, mold will surely return.
Dust
Does your home remain dusty regardless of how much you clean? If your surfaces are coated with dust shortly after you wipe them down, it’s time to have your ducts cleaned. Even the most spotless homes can accumulate dust, dirt, dander, and other harmful contaminants in their air ducts. Some homeowners even see dust spewing out of vents when the HVAC system turns on.
Take the time to inspect your air supplies and return vents. If they’re visibly dusty or dirty, remove the cover and/or filter to see the ductwork. If you see metal surfaces covered in dust—both interiorly and exteriorly—it’s likely that your ducts need a good cleaning.
To prevent dust buildup in the future, be sure to replace your HVAC filters regularly. Additionally, you can install an air purifier. Both filters and purifiers work with your HVAC equipment to trap airborne particles—including smoke, dust, and bacteria—before they enter your ductwork.
Rodents & Insects
It’s not uncommon for insects, mice, and squirrels to find their way into your ducts. Naturally, these pests leave behind many unfriendly bacteria, droppings, and nests. This can lead to fecal spores contaminating the air you breathe. Unfortunately, many rodents love living in ductwork and frequently chew their way in or discover an unsealed access point. And once they’ve moved in, your property’s ductwork becomes their own personal highway to travel around your home.
If this happens in your home, you’ll notice some telltale signs: droppings, chewed materials, and unpleasant odors. It’s important to remember that a serious rodent infestation may require more than just duct cleaning. If you leave the issue alone, your HVAC system won’t work efficiently, leading to higher bills and potential structural damage.
New Construction & Major Renovations
Construction is dirty. Even the cleanest contractors can’t help dust and debris accumulate, even if they close off their work areas. And this dust and debris will likely enter your ductwork unless you keep your system completely covered and turned off during the entire construction process—an unrealistic option for many property owners. Unfortunately, this construction dust contains some nasty particulate matter that is harmful to breathe. Your best option is to clean your ducts shortly after the construction is over and before respiratory issues develop.
Rising Energy Costs
Heating and cooling costs should be mostly predictable from year to year. So, if you receive a surprisingly high bill, dirty ductwork could be to blame. Occasionally, ducts can become so filthy that air can’t flow freely and efficiently. When this occurs, both your air conditioner and furnace are forced to work harder to keep your property at a comfortable temperature. And that means higher utility bills.
It’s also worth noting that debris accumulation isn’t the only reason air ducts have to work harder. Any leaks lead to lost energy which leads to decreased efficiency and increased energy bills. The best way to remove harmful contaminants and rule out leaks is to hire an experienced air duct technician.
Inconsistent Airflow
In certain cases, you may notice inconsistent airflow from room to room. This is another warning sign of dirty ducts. Typically, any vent that is fully open should receive relatively consistent airflow regardless of location.
Dryer Vents
Five Reasons to Clean Your Dryer Vent
For many homeowners, cleaning the lint trap is second nature. It turns out that clearing your lint trap makes your dryer more efficient and reduces the risk of fire. However, many of these homeowners don’t realize that the same is true of their dryer vents. These tubes run from your dryer to the outside of your home and are responsible for removing the hot air and moisture. A clogged vent can result in many complications. Take a minute to read these five reasons why you should keep your dryer vent clean.
1. Safety
Safety always comes first. Lint is highly flammable, and dryers are known to run hot—a dangerous combination. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, dryers cause more than 15,000 structural fires every year, 80% of which are related to clogged dryer vents. There’s also the risk of dangerous fumes (including carbon monoxide) backing up into your property through these clogged vents, creating a serious air quality issue for your loved ones. The good news is that this is an entirely preventable problem.
2. Low Efficiency
Efficient appliances translate to lower energy costs. However, a clogged vent can inhibit hot airflow, resulting in your clothes needing multiple cycles to dry correctly. Unfortunately, this leads to costly and unexpected bills.
3. Longer Dryer Lifespan
If your dryer consistently requires more cycles or drying time, you’re slowly decreasing its potential lifespan with every load. Essentially, your dryer is working overtime. Overworked dryers result in considerable wear and tear, meaning you need to schedule repairs much sooner. If you continue to operate your dryer this way, it will eventually break down entirely.
4. Mold
Your dryer vent is designed to release hot air and moisture outside, leading to wet spots inside the tube. Subsequently, lint can be caught in these wet spots, thereby creating mold. Additionally, this wet lint can stick to the vent tube interior, making it more difficult to clean your vent.
5. Less Maintenance
Like all machines, your dryer will work better and last longer when cared for properly, and this includes cleaning the vent. Dryers that continue to run with clogged vents can create internal problems that necessitate expensive repairs, which means more money out of your pocket. We recommend having your dryer vent cleaned annually.
