Let’s discuss something you might not give much thought to, and that is your air ducts. They’re out of sight, quietly working away, circulating warm or cool air throughout your house according to the requirements. But the thing is, if they are not in good shape, you will feel it as dirty or broken air ducts try to show the signs in terms of higher power bills, weird smells, and uneven temps.
Having your ducts checked regularly may not be the most thrilling activity, but believe me, it’s worthwhile. A quick cleanup can identify minor issues before they escalate into pricey duct repairs or replacements. And who doesn’t want healthier air and reduced energy costs?
So, if you are still thinking about whether your ducts need some love, stick around. In this blog, we will go over why duct cleaning and inspections matter, when to get them done, and how to tell if your ductwork is screaming loud for help.
Why Should You Care About Duct Inspections?
I used you think the same, like why I should care about my duct inspections until I saw the signs and hefty electricity bill. I get you, and ducts aren’t exactly front of our minds. But ignoring them can lead to some pretty annoying and costly issues. Here is why you should check in on them every now and then.
- You’ll Breathe Cleaner Air: If your ducts are full of dust, mould, or even pests, that stuff gets blown around your home. If you’ve been sneezing more or dealing with itchy eyes indoors, dirty ducts could be one of the reasons. A proper duct cleaning gets rid of all that junk so you’re not breathing it in every day.
- Your Power Bills Won’t be increased: Ever received your energy bill and questioned why it’s so high? Leaky or plugged ducts force your HVAC system to work overtime, wasting more energy. A simple duct inspection can identify leaks or obstructions before they begin draining your money.
- Your Heating & Cooling System Will Last Longer: Imagine your ducts as the arteries of your HVAC system. If they are clogged or leaking, your heating and cooling systems have to work a lot harder than they need to, exactly like a human heart. Eventually, that added stress can cause breakdowns or, even worse, a complete duct replacement.
- You Won’t Have to Deal with Mould or Pests: Ever switched on your aircon and gotten a whiff of something stale? That may be mould that is growing in your ducts and if there are holes or cracks, you could even have insects or rodents calling home in there. Regular duct cleaning inspections can avoid all these unpleasant surprises.
Signs Your Ducts Need an Inspection or Repairs
Still not sure if your ducts need attention? Here are some dead giveaways that you will not be able to ignore:
- Your energy bill suddenly increased for no reason – If your usage has not increased, but your bill has, then your ducts could be leaking air.
- Some rooms are too hot, others are too cold – Inconsistent temperatures most often signal airflow issues.
- Your home becomes dusty super quickly – If you find yourself wiping down surfaces all the time, your ducts may be blowing dust around rather than trapping it.
- Strange odours or noises from the vents – Mould, pests, or loose ductwork may be the culprit to blame.
- Indoor allergy attacks – If you and your family members are sneezing more indoors, dirty ducts may be circulating allergens.
If any of this rings a bell, it may be time to hire a professional for a duct repair service or cleaning.
How Frequently Should You Have Your Ducts Inspected?
The rule of thumb? Every 2-3 years. But under certain circumstances, you’ll need to have it done more frequently than usual:
- You have pets – Hair and dander love to settle in ductwork.
- Someone in your household has allergies or asthma – Clean ducts = healthier breathing.
- You’ve recently completed renovations – Construction dust penetrates everywhere, including your ducts.
You have seen increased bills or airflow problems, Don’t just wait for it to become worse.
Can You Inspect Your Ducts Yourself?
You can perform some simple checks, such as seeing dust near vents, hearing unusual sounds, or feeling airflow differences. But a good inspection requires a professional.
Why?
- They have the proper tools – HVAC professionals use cameras and airflow tests to discover hidden leaks or obstructions.
- They have an eye for what to look for – An experienced eye can spot tiny problems before they turn into huge, costly issues.
- They can clean and repair in the same visit – If there’s an issue, they will repair your ducts in the same visit, saving you time and effort.
So, if you’re Googling “duct repairs near me”, ensure that you’re calling in a professional who knows his job.
How Much Does Duct Cleaning & Repair Cost?
Air duct cleaning is not cheap, but in Melbourne, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $600 for a normal clean.
Duct repairs are another matter, depending on the problem. Small leaks can cost between $150-$300, but more serious problems or a replacement of the whole duct can cost thousands. On the bright side, regular inspection can catch those little problems before they become pricey headaches.
Final Thoughts – Don’t Wait Until There’s a Problem
If it is been some time since you have had your ducts checked or cleaned, now’s the time to schedule it. Whether you require regular cleaning or emergency duct repairs in Melbourne, a bit of maintenance can save you a lot of money and hassle.
Require a trustworthy duct cleaner? Call them today and they will get it sorted so you can breathe easy and keep those energy bills under control.
