7 Signs Your Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned

Not many realize the key factor that affects our well-being is the quality of the air we breathe in our own homes or businesses. We often spend a large portion of our lives indoors, so we need to ensure that the air we are breathing in is safe. However, our indoor air quality can deteriorate when we neglect our HVAC system and air ducts. That is why it is important to know the signs that show it’s time to have your air ducts cleaned. It is important to pay attention to the signs and how you can benefit from having clean air ducts in your home or business.

Duct Cleaning — Crown Point, IN — Air Ductor Inc.

1. Excessive Dirt And Dust:

If you notice that your home or business accumulates dust and dirt quickly, despite regular cleaning, this is a sign that your air ducts are circulating these particulars of dust and dirt throughout your living or workspace.

2. Allergies or Respiratory Issues:

If you or your loved ones experience more allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or asthma attacks. It could mean that your air ducts have allergens or irritants in them.

3. Visible Mold Growth:
Mold growth inside your air ducts or around HVAC components indicates that you require professional cleaning. This is a serious issue that should not be ignored, as it can affect your health and comfort.

4. Odors:

If you notice a foul or musty smell from your HVAC system when it is operating, this could be a sign of mold, mildew, or bacteria growth in your air ducts. These microorganisms can thrive in moist and dark environments and pose a health risk to you and your family.

5. Pest Infestations:

The presence of pests like rodents or insects in your air ducts may leave behind droppings, nesting materials, and even dead insects. These contaminants can impact your indoor air quality.

6. Reduced Airflow:

If you notice that the air coming from your vents is weaker than usual, it may mean that your air ducts are clogged or obstructed by dirt or other particles. This can make your HVAC system use more energy to keep your home at the temperature you want.

7. Increased Energy Bills:

One possible cause of higher energy bills, even if you have not changed how much you use your HVAC system, is that your ducts are clogged with dust and debris. This can make your system work harder and less efficiently to maintain the desired temperatures.

Have Questions About Your Air Ducts?

If you notice one or more of these signs, it is a good idea to contact Air Ductor and have your air ducts cleaned. Our professionals will assess the condition of your ducts, provide a thorough cleaning, and help you enjoy cleaner, healthier indoor air and improved HVAC system deficiency. We are out of Crown Point, IN and service all of Northwest Indiana and South Suburbs of Illinois.

Book an appointment for service today by calling 219-779-0770.

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Decades in the Making: EPA Cites Source Control as a Best Practice for IAQ

By NADCA- The HVAC Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association • September 10, 2025

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finally acknowledged what NADCA has championed for decades: source removal is a key strategy for improving indoor air quality. In its newly released Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) fact sheet , the EPA outlines three core best practices: source control, improved ventilation, and effective filtration and air cleaning. For NADCA and its certified professionals, this isn’t new guidance; it’s long-overdue recognition of the standards and best practices we’ve built our entire industry around. Now is the moment to amplify that message. NADCA’s Science is Already Leading the Way As IAQ takes center stage in conversations about public health and building safety, NADCA is helping move the industry forward with science-based standards and field-tested methods. Our members don’t just follow best practices - they help define them. This moment is an opportunity to reinforce the role that NADCA professionals play in delivering healthier indoor environments. Here’s how we support each of the EPA’s key strategies: Source Control - NADCA has long led the charge in advocating for source removal cleaning, the most effective method for eliminating contaminants inside HVAC systems. This approach is central to ACR, the NADCA Standard, which provides detailed protocols for identifying and removing dust, debris, and microbial growth. The EPA highlights source control as the first and most important step in improving IAQ (a practice that NADCA has recognized and implemented industry-wide for more than 35 years). Improved Ventilation - Clean ductwork enables HVAC systems to operate efficiently, ensuring that fresh air can circulate freely throughout a building. NADCA-certified professionals are trained to evaluate system airflow, identify restrictions, and offer solutions that improve ventilation and air exchange, which are key components of a healthier indoor space. Filtration and Air Cleaning - When HVAC systems are dirty, even the best filters can’t perform effectively. Cleaning the system helps restore filtration efficiency, reduces the chance of particle bypass, and supports the overall performance of air cleaning systems. NADCA’s training addresses this dynamic directly, equipping professionals with the knowledge to make filtration more effective through system hygiene. Standards Built on Science and Experience NADCA’s credibility in this space is rooted in science, continuous education, and real-world application. ACR, the NADCA Standard, is maintained by a committee of subject matter experts and grounded in research, collaboration with affiliated standard-writing organizations, and decades of field experience. NADCA also invests in studies that examine the impact of clean HVAC systems on airflow, energy efficiency, and occupant health. These efforts help ensure our standards evolve with the science, keeping NADCA members at the forefront of indoor environmental health. A Shared Mission for Cleaner Air While the EPA fact sheet brings welcome national attention to IAQ, NADCA’s work has been building toward this moment for years. As industry professionals, we all share the same goal: to create healthier indoor environments where people live, work, and learn. NADCA is proud to have a voice in this space by advancing standards, educating the public, and empowering our members to deliver on the promise of cleaner air. Together with public health leaders, HVAC professionals, and building managers, we’re making indoor air quality a priority and delivering scientific results that back common-sense practices.