If you keep your home comfortable with forced-air heating and cooling, ductwork is hidden behind the ceilings and walls. These passageways are responsible for carrying heated and cooled air to every room. As you can imagine, ductwork becomes dirty over time as air circulation transports dust, dirt and pet hair into the HVAC system. That's why you need air duct cleaning.
While a major reason to clean your ducts is to improve indoor air quality and decrease your allergies, it may surprise you to learn that air duct cleaning can actually save you money. Here's how.
Improve Air Circulation
Every time your HVAC equipment kicks on, you pay for the energy it consumes to heat or cool your home. Dirty air ducts inhibit airflow, which prevents you from experiencing the full benefits of conditioned air. Clean ducts allow the system to quietly and efficiently transport air to each supply register so you feel comfortable all year round without spending more on your energy bills.
Reduce Wear and Tear on HVAC Equipment
Poor air circulation through the ductwork caused by dirt and debris buildup can make your HVAC equipment work harder than necessary. Not only does this increase your monthly bills, but it puts extra wear and tear on the system, causing it to break down prematurely. The ability to avoid untimely repairs and premature replacement means air duct cleaning saves you money in the long run.
Change Your Air Filter Less Often
The filter's job is to trap dirt, dust and fibers as they enter the HVAC system. The primary reason for this is to prevent debris from damaging the heating and cooling equipment. Higher efficiency filters remove small enough pollutants that they also improve indoor air quality.
When the ductwork is clean, less debris gets trapped in the filter, helping it last longer between changes and saving you money as a result. You should still plan to check the filter every 30 days and change it after no longer than three months in use.
Find Air Leaks
Ductwork should be sealed to prevent air leaks. However, despite its name, duct tape isn't an appropriate duct-sealing material. Exposure to extreme temperature changes can cause the tape to lose its adhesion after a relatively short time. Instead, more permanent duct mastic should be used.
The technician cleaning your ducts can test for air leaks and visually inspect the system for improperly installed duct sealant that allows air to leak out and waste energy. Years of use can even cause holes, rips or tears or form in flexible ductwork walls. A quick repair and resealing instantly lowers your energy bills.
Spot Insulation Issues
Air ducts should be insulated to slow heat gain and loss, but if your home was built before this became the standard, your ducts might be missing this important energy-saving feature. During the cleaning process, the technician can spot issues and recommend improvements to lower your energy bills and reduce system strain for years to come.
Professional Air Duct Cleaning from Rainbow Restoration®
While you can perform a few duct-cleaning measures yourself – including replacing the air filter and vacuuming return and supply grilles – thorough ductwork cleaning requires the special knowledge, experience and equipment of a professional. The financial benefits of cleaning your ducts with a professional's help make the investment well worth it.
Learn more about professional residential air duct cleaning as well as commercial air duct cleaning and how it can help your home or business save money by scheduling an appointment online or by calling Rainbow Restoration .
For Further Reading:
Now Is a Good Time to Clean Your Air Vents
