Month: October 2025

Cue the eerie music… because this is one home horror story you don’t want to ignore. October is the month for haunted houses and spooky stories—but there might be something creeping through your home that’s not part of the Halloween decorations. We’re talking about your air ducts, and trust us… what’s hiding in there isn’t just a little dust bunny.

Let’s peel back the cobwebs (literally) and take a look at what could be lurking in your ductwork—and why you might want to do something about it before winter hits.

1. Dust, Dirt, and Dander… Oh My!

First up: the basics. Over time, your ductwork collects dust, pet dander, dead skin cells, and all the general gunk that floats around your home. If you’ve got pets, kids, or anyone with allergies, that mess can be a major problem. Every time your HVAC system kicks on, it stirs all that up and blasts it back into your breathing space.

Not exactly the fresh fall air you were hoping for, huh?

2. Creepy Crawlers and Critters

Here’s where it gets extra creepy: insects and even rodents love your ducts. Why? They’re dark, quiet, and sheltered. Perfect nesting spots.

We’ve seen cases where homeowners didn’t realize they had mice nesting inside their ductwork until they noticed the smell—or worse, actual droppings coming through the vents. Yikes.

And if you’ve ever seen a spider web flutter out of a vent? Yeah, not just a Halloween decoration.

3. Mold: The Real House Haunter

Moisture in your ducts is a big red flag. Whether it’s from condensation, leaks, or humidity, moist air and dust make a perfect recipe for mold. That musty smell? It’s not in your head. Mold spores can spread through your entire HVAC system—and into the air you breathe every day.

This isn’t just gross. It’s a serious health risk, especially for anyone with asthma or respiratory issues.

How Dirty Ducts Drain Your Energy (and Your Wallet)

It’s not just about what’s lurking in there. All that buildup can actually clog airflow and make your HVAC system work harder to heat or cool your home. That means higher energy bills and more wear and tear on your system.

So if your energy bills are mysteriously rising… your ducts might be the energy vampires sucking your wallet dry.

Time to Call in the Pros

The good news? You don’t have to live with haunted ductwork forever. A professional duct cleaning can remove years of buildup, improve your indoor air quality, and even help your HVAC system run more efficiently.

Think of it like an exorcism—but for dust, allergens, and creepy critters.

Don’t Let Your Ducts Scare You This Season – Contact Advance Mechanical in Pitt, Beaufort, and Lenoir, NC Counties Today

October might be the time for spooky fun, but your home should always feel safe and comfortable. If it’s been a while since your last duct inspection or cleaning, now’s the perfect time to schedule one—before the colder months roll in and you’re running your heat around the clock.

Let’s keep the scary stuff in the movies (and maybe the pumpkin patch)—not blowing through your vents. Contact Advance Mechanical for all your duct cleaning needs today.

Your HVAC system, like your other appliances, can face various issues over time. From cold, sometimes snowy weather to unbearable summer afternoons, NC weather is always changing, and we are constantly putting our HVAC units to the test. We have compiled a list of the most common HVAC problems and their solutions so that you can be prepared. And, if the problems persist, we are here to help! 

Filters

When your HVAC is giving you trouble, the first thing to check is your air filters. But good news, this problem is easily fixed. If you check your air filters and there is a buildup of dust, debris or dirt, it is time to replace them. If you go too long without changing your air filters, your HVAC has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can cause your unit to overwork itself, which could lead to overheating, airflow issues, and could even shorten its lifespan. Make a note to change your air filters regularly, every 1 to 2 months, for optimal performance. If you notice insufficient airflow, high energy bills, or an increase in dust and dirt around your home, check if your air filters need to be changed.

Ductwork

Another common issue that most homeowners eventually encounter is dirty ductwork. Your ductwork is where air flows and gets transferred from room to room. Dust and bacteria can accumulate over time in the ducts, which then continue to circulate throughout your home, potentially exacerbating asthma or allergy symptoms. We recommend having your ducts cleaned annually. This can help catch any leaks or blockages that may be affecting your home’s airflow and overall efficiency. If you become aware of poor indoor air quality or uneven temperatures in your home, a duct cleaning by Advance Mechanical may be just what you need!

Thermostat

Sometimes, when your HVAC is not functioning correctly, the thermostat could be causing problems. If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it can cause your unit to turn on and off or even shut down entirely. Sometimes, the fix is simple, and you need to replace the battery in your thermostat. If that solution doesn’t work, it may be time to call the professionals at Advance Mechanical for an evaluation. If your thermostat is past its prime, you might consider replacing it with a programmable thermostat. These types of thermostats allow you to control the temperature of your home from anywhere or even set different schedules for different days.

Noises

Your HVAC may make different noises from time to time, and sometimes you can hear it coming on or cutting off. Generally, quiet noises are typically fine, but any banging, squealing, clanking or buzzing can indicate that your HVAC unit needs an inspection and maybe a repair. These kinds of noises can be a sign of loose parts or components, electrical issues or even a buildup of debris. We advise turning off your unit, checking it for any apparent blockages or loose parts and tightening any loose bolts, panels, or screws. If you can’t spot the issue or the problem requires a more complex solution, give us a call!

Regular Maintenance

For the most part, many common HVAC problems can be avoided with regular professional maintenance. Our Comfort Club membership offers twice-yearly maintenance, a complete system evaluation and cleaning and discounts on parts, repairs and products. With regular maintenance, your unit will likely require fewer repairs and will run much more efficiently, potentially resulting in lower energy bills.

Advance Mechanical is 100% customer-committed, and we strive to deliver expert service with every visit. For over 35 years, our team has been delivering reliable and honest service to homeowners. If you are looking to stay comfortable year-round, or are having an issue with your HVAC, we can help! Schedule a service with our team today or join our Comfort Club by contacting us at 252-355-9191.