You have just gotten a sky-high electricity bill and have now decided to make some changes to your home if you don’t want to end up bankrupt. You have swapped your lamps for energy-efficiency bulbs, fixed your drafty windows and door, and are now thinking of getting Energy Star-branded appliances to make your home more energy-efficient. However, don’t be surprised if you do not see a huge difference in your energy bills.
That’s because a lot of people overlook one of the most significant areas of your house when it comes to energy efficiency: your air ducts.
So next time you are staring in horror at your electricity bill, take a minute to give some much-needed attention to the components of your home that pass air through your house and are an important factor in your home’s energy efficiency.
What You Need to Understand About Air Ducts
Your air ducts are responsible for transporting air from your furnace and air conditioner all throughout your home. The air ducts suck in air from your HVAC appliances and blow it out in your room.
Some people call air ducts the lungs of the house since air passes through them. So just consider what happens to your lungs when you smoke or inhale contaminants over a period of time. They will fail to function effectively, leading to various respiratory disorders that will make it difficult for you to breathe.
The exact same thing happens to air ducts when they become dirty and clogged.
If you do not pay attention to your air ducts and clean them regularly, dust, debris, and dander will become accumulated in the air ducts. This will reduce the passage that air needs to flow through. As a result, your home will be colder or warmer than it should be. The thermostat will read this and will instruct your AC or heater to perform harder to send more cool or warm air into the room via the ducts. This will result in an increase in electricity bills.
In addition, since your HVAC system will be working in overdrive, its components will wear down quickly and it will experience frequent breakdowns that will result in expensive repairs and even system replacement.
Also keep in mind that since the air ducts are clogged with dust and debris, the air passing through them will also become contaminated and spread the pollen, pathogens, dust, and other pollutants around your home. This will result in low indoor air quality and an increase in respiratory disorders.
Save Your Money and Health With Regular Air Duct Cleaning
Staying on top of your air duct cleaning is the easiest and most affordable way to reduce energy consumption and help your HVAC run efficiently and smoothly. The average duct system needs cleaning every two to five years but the schedule can vary depending on which area you live (an area that has more pollutants will see more frequent air duct cleaning) and how much you make use of your HVAC systems.
It is a good idea to call a professional to examine the state of your air ducts and clean them on schedule to ensure the safety of you and your family as well as reduce energy bills.