Your HVAC system and your body’s circulatory system function in much the same way. Keeping your body’s circulatory system running free from obstruction is essential for whole-body health. Similarly, the ductwork running through your home from your central HVAC system needs to be clean and free from obstructions, so your entire HVAC system continues to work well for you.
All About Your Ductwork
The central part of your HVAC system works hard to pump and circulate air through various rooms in your home by pushing the volume of air through passages called ductwork. These ducts are responsible for supplying either heated or cooled air throughout your home.
Ductwork can be tubular or square. Traditional materials used to make ductwork include galvanized steel, aluminum, and even flexible plastic piping. Sections of ductwork are installed and designed to run throughout a structure either being tucked in ceilings, walls, and underneath the flooring. While most are hidden from plain view, you may see a few exposed sections in crawlspaces, attics, and basements. As they reach a room, ducts are fitted snugly with a grill or vent that only allows air to pass through to condition each room.
An Essential Component to HVAC Efficiency
Properly installed and maintained ductwork is a must to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. Not only do ducts need to be well insulated and correctly installed, but they should also be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. This helps to ensure that there are no leaks or contamination that affect the circulated air.
When your ductwork is clean and well-maintained, this has a significant impact on the efficiency of your entire system. Your central unit will not have to work as hard to push conditioned air through your home, and you’ll save valuable time and money without the need for performing unexpected repairs on an overtaxed unit. Another benefit of clean ductwork is that your HVAC system will run with greater efficiency. You’re likely to see a significant reduction in your energy bill as you commit to ongoing care and maintenance of your ducts as well as your unit.
Reasons Why Your Ductwork Must Be Cleaned
With age and over time, your ductwork is likely to become clogged with dirt, dust, debris, and allergens that can build up and compromise your whole system. Here are just a few of the many reasons that keeping your ductwork clean benefits not only your HVAC system but your loved ones as well.
Cleaning House for the Holidays
With the holidays approaching, it’s time to consider cleaning your ductwork as you prepare for family gatherings and festive celebrations. You’ll enjoy the benefits of clean ductwork while providing your guests with a clean, inviting environment in which to herald all the gifts of the seasons. Take that maintenance chore off your list, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the holiday season with friends and family.
HVAC System Performance Is Improved
When ducts are clean, it’s much easier for your HVAC system to consistently push air through your home. This has a significant effect on your overall comfort. If ducts remain packed with dirt and other contaminants, airflow will be compromised or even obstructed. Certain areas of your home will not receive proper circulation and airflow, leading to inefficient hot and cold spots that are hard to regulate. A central unit becomes overworked and could potentially break down under the additional stress of regulating your home with dirty pathways.
Cleaner Indoor Air
Various contaminants such as dust, dirt, allergens, mold, and pet dander can build up in your air ducts over time. These contaminants eventually end up in the air that you’re breathing daily. Those with breathing or respiratory issues may become ill after being repeatedly exposed to “dirty” air. Reduce the incidence of illness, allergies, and asthma by committing to a regular care and maintenance schedule of your unit which includes ductwork cleaning. Doing so will help everyone breathe easier.
Revelation of Ductwork Issues
Having ducts regularly cleaned and inspected will shed some light on problems that arise in your network. Leaks and cracks in your ductwork can lead to moisture buildup, mold growth, and damage if not detected and corrected. Professional cleaning reveals deficiencies allowing you to correct small problems and improve efficiency.
Longer HVAC Lifespan
Thanks to improved efficiency benefits, your HVAC unit will have a much longer lifespan when combined with clean ductwork. Wear and tear that occurs with dirty components will not be an issue, and your unit will last longer and perform more efficiently when well-maintained.
Resolution of Pest Problems
The longer your ductwork sits uninspected, the more likely you are to find yourself with a pest infestation issue. Rodents, mice, birds, insects, and other critters love to burrow into dark, warm places. The waste that these pests leave behind can cause health issues for you and your loved ones if you have been exposed to them for long periods of time. Ductwork makes the perfect cover for their nefarious nighttime activities as they wander throughout your system. Through regular inspection and removal, the problem of pest infestation and contamination is removed.
Odor Elimination
Dirty, musty, “old” odors tend to permeate homes where dirty ductwork is present. Mold growth fills a house with a distinct, musty, stale smell that can be harmful to your health. Procrastinating on ductwork maintenance can cause odors to worsen over time, a problem that is quickly solved with routine cleaning and inspection.
Cleaner Home
Dirty ductwork debris quickly settles on furniture, fabrics, and fixtures in your home, giving everything a dusty film that is difficult to remove. You may clean and dust regularly and still see debris on tables and countertops. Pet owners may see bits of dander and fur floating around, courtesy of saturated air ducts. Vacuuming this material from your ductwork and safely disposing of it will result in less dirt and dust that you must clean.
Safer Living Conditions
Caked-on debris and dust can pose a fire hazard if allowed to build up for too long. These risks can be significantly greater if you have an older HVAC system or appliances that burn propane. Cleaning your HVAC system and ductwork will reduce your risk of fire, giving you peace of mind that you’re providing safety for yourself and your loved ones.
Lower Utility Bills
A well-maintained, efficient system will provide you with the wonderful benefit of reducing your overall energy costs. When all components of your system are in good working order, the demand for energy lessens, and you’re likely to see significant savings on your monthly bill.
Efficient Cleaning Solutions for a Safer Home
Don’t let another holiday season pass you by without doing important maintenance work on your HVAC system. American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical has a few professional services and solutions that include cooling and heating service maintenance, installation, and repair. Proudly serving residents of central Florida, we have the solutions and services that you need to maintain a clean, allergen-free home. Contact us today to schedule maintenance and look forward to a healthier holiday season for all!
