Every time your system runs, the whole house breathes through its ducts. Air is pulled in through the returns, crosses the blower and coil, and goes back out through the supply registers, and whatever it carries drops out somewhere along that loop. For many San Francisco homeowners, that is just a light film of dust and pet dander. For others, it is drywall dust from a remodel, leftover debris from the original build, signs of rodents in crawlspace runs, or a musty odor that shows up at every startup. Either way, the buildup costs you twice: dirtier indoor air, and higher static pressure with a coated blower wheel and coil, so the system works harder and moves less.
The repairs homeowners call us about most are AC Repair and Furnace Repair. If something has stopped working, start there.
Warning Signs for Air Duct Cleaning
Spotting the early warning signs lets you act before the problem gets expensive. Here are the most common indicators that it's time to call a professional:
- Recent sanding, demolition, or drywall work with open registers
- A newly purchased house with no record of past duct care
- Filters loading up with dark debris faster than the schedule says they should
- A stale, musty odor every time the heat or air comes on
- Registers and nearby ceilings growing dark halos of blown dust
- A puff of dust from the registers each time the system kicks on
- Droppings, nests, or other pest evidence near the ductwork
- Allergy or dust complaints that get worse indoors, not better
Early Action Saves Money
What seems like a minor issue today can take out a compressor or heat exchanger tomorrow. If you notice any of these signs, call (415) 234-5360 for a prompt inspection.
