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Living in South Florida, we all crave that perfect balance of cool air and clean circulation through our homes. Our air conditioners work tirelessly to combat the relentless heat, but what about the network of tunnels that deliver cool air throughout your home: the air ducts? Over time, air ducts can accumulate dust, allergens, and even debris. This build-up can compromise your air quality and even put a strain on your air conditioning system.

In this article, we discuss the signs that indicate it's time to schedule a professional duct cleaning service.

Why Regular Duct Cleaning Matters

????Here are some of the aspects of a home’s environment and HVAC system that are directly affected by the cleanliness of the ducts:

Indoor Air Quality

Dirty air ducts can harbor dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens. These allergens can then be recirculated throughout your home and could aggravate allergies and respiratory problems.

Airflow Rate

Clogged air ducts restrict airflow, making it harder for your air conditioning system to effectively cool your home. This can lead to uneven cooling, discomfort, and because the system has to work much harder to cool your home, increased energy bills.

System Energy Efficiency

A clean air conditioning system operates at peak performance. Regular duct cleaning helps prevent dust build-up from accumulating on coils and other components, allowing your system to run more efficiently and potentially reducing your energy costs.

Air Conditioning System Lifespan

As mentioned above, a clogged air conditioning system has to work harder to circulate air, placing unnecessary strain on the components. Regular duct cleaning helps prevent this wear and tear, potentially extending the lifespan of your air conditioning system. This will save you money on costly outdoor unit repairs or replacements down the line.

Knowing When It's Time for Duct Cleaning

While there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should have your air ducts cleaned, there are some key signs that can help you decide.

Here are some of the most common indicators that it's time to call a local professional duct cleaning service:

Visible Dust Buildup

One of the easiest ways to tell if your air ducts need cleaning is to check your air registers or vents. If you notice visible dust accumulating around the vents, it's a good sign that dust is also building up within the ductwork.

Uneven Airflow

You may notice that some rooms in your home consistently feel cooler or warmer than others. If this happens even when the thermostat is set to the same temperature, this could be a sign of clogged air ducts restricting airflow to certain areas of your house.

Increased Allergies and Respiratory Issues

Are you or your family members experiencing allergy or asthma symptoms that seem to be worse when indoors? Dirty air ducts can exacerbate allergies and respiratory problems by recirculating allergens throughout your home.

Musty or Unusual Odors

Musty smells are unpleasant and should cause concern if coming from your air vents. This could be a sign of mold or mildew growth within the ductwork. Mold spores can pose serious health risks and a professional duct cleaner should be consulted immediately.

Higher Energy Bills

Fans need to run at a constant speed to deliver the required cooling and temperature within a house. A clogged air conditioning system causes back pressure and more power is needed to spin the fans at that speed. This additional power draw leads to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.

Visible Pests or Vermin

Signs of pests or vermin activity around your air vents include vegetation, fluff, and spider webs. It's important to have your air ducts cleaned and inspected by a professional to identify entry points and prevent further infestation.

Recent Renovations or Construction

Renovation or construction projects can stir up dust and debris, which can then get deposited into your air ducts. If you've recently had any construction done in your home, it's a good idea to schedule a duct cleaning service afterward.

Choosing the Right Duct Cleaning Service

Now that you know the signs it's time to get your air ducts cleaned, how do you choose the right duct cleaning service in South Florida? We think that the best way to choose is to consider the following factors:

Experience and Reputation

Look for a company with a proven track record and experience in duct cleaning services specific to South Florida's climate and conditions. Companies that belong to an association such as the South Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SFACCA) are also a good indication of a good reputation and quality services.

Inspection and Quote

A reputable company will offer a thorough inspection of your air ducts to determine the scope of cleaning needed and provide a detailed quote before any work begins.

Cleaning Methods

Inquire about the specific cleaning methods used by the company. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends source removal cleaning, which involves using powerful vacuums and agitation techniques to remove contaminants from the air ducts. Be wary of companies that offer "chemical cleaning" methods, as these can be harmful to your health and may not be effective.

Transparency and Communication

Choose a company that is transparent about its pricing and cleaning process. They should be happy to answer any questions you may have and explain the steps involved in the duct cleaning service.

South Florida’s Premier Duct Cleaning Professionals

At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, we’ve been providing South Florida home and business owners with top-quality air conditioning services as well as professional duct cleaning. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to thoroughly clean your air ducts, improving your home's indoor air quality and boosting your air conditioning system's efficiency.

Call us at 1-800-475-1504 to make an appointment for an AC inspection today.

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You don’t want to be caught off guard this summer with an AC that breaks down when you most need it. A broken AC system can impact your overall comfort drastically and possibly even your health. In this guide, we share the essential steps to take when your AC stops working.

What Steps Should You Take When Your AC Stops Working

There are a few important steps you can take when dealing with a broken air conditioning unit. While DIY is never recommended, there are some steps you can take before a professional air conditioning technician arrives to repair your AC.

1. Check Your Thermostat

One of the first steps you should take when your AC is not working efficiently is to check your thermostat. Sometimes it is set incorrectly which is why you’re having issues. If the thermostat is set to the correct temperature but your AC still isn’t working, it may be time to call in a professional.

2. Get Your Electrical Panel Checked

You can always check to see if there is possibly a fault, which has caused your electrical panel to trip. A tripped electrical circuit could indicate there are more serious faults with your homes electrical wiring. Irrespective of the cause, only a professional technician can identify the issue and advise you on the next steps to take.

3. Replace Your Filters

Clogged AC filters can impact how well your AC works and can also cause your system to stop working. AC filter replacement can be done as part of your regular cv. Keep in mind that if you have pets, you may need to change your filters more regularly as pet dander can contribute to clogging up your filters faster.

4. Clear Your Condenser Unit

Depending on where it is located, you may want to head outdoors to clear away debris that could be blocking the airflow and hindering the cooling process. Remove all twigs, leaves, and other obstructions to ensure that your AC can work without issue.

5. Refrigerant Leaks

If you suspect that your unit is impacted by a refrigerant leak, it’s best to call in a licensed HVAC technician to inspect the unit. You should not do any testing or checks on your own due to the toxicity and flammability of refrigerants. A trained professional will have the necessary tools and equipment to safely detect any potential leaks as well as repair or replace components as required.

6. Have the Capacitor Tested

This is another check best left to the professionals. Your capacitor is one of the most important components of your AC unit, it serves as a storage point for electrical energy which in turn provides power to the motors. An HVAC technician will need to test to see if your capacitor is still in working order without any faults. ??????

Can I Repair My AC Unit?

Understandably, you may sometimes feel like DIY-ing may be more cost-effective than hiring the services of a professional. Except, that doesn’t apply when it comes to AC repair. Aside from clearing the outside of your condenser unit, or replacing the filter, attempting any AC repair without the proper training, knowledge, and experience can be extremely dangerous. You would be putting your safety at risk when dealing with electrical components, exposing yourself to the risk of electrical burns or worse electrocution.

DIY repairs also run the risk of voiding warranties, energy inefficiency caused by improper repairs, and even potential damage to the AC unit which could require more costly repairs or replacement.

Call In A Licensed and Reputable AC Technician

Nobody wants to experience an AC breakdown, especially right before summer. Knowing what steps to take can help you reduce the impact of a broken AC to some extent. Remember, seeking professional assistance from the start is not only a safer option but also more cost-effective in the long run. Professional air conditioning companies will also ensure their technicians are licensed and insured.

You can never predict when your AC will need repairs, so it’s always advised to get regular preventative maintenance and AC tune-ups from your local professional air conditioning company.

At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric our group of certified and experienced HVAC technicians will do their best to provide reliable and expert air conditioning repair services.