When we want to reduce the cost of the energy bills we pay every month, the majority of us focus on things like switching off the lights, pulling the plug of the devices, or buying energy-efficient gadgets but we rarely notice that there are other things also that can have a significant effect on the electrical energy that is expended, for example, the air ducts.
Your air ducts are probably the least visible part of your house, and yet they are the very essence of being comfortable in your home any season of the year. Whether clean ducts can actually lead to lower energy consumption though remains the million-dollar question. So, let’s not waste time and let us get through the research, the facts, and the benefits to arrive at the right conclusion.
What Do Air Ducts Actually Do?
The air ducts provide the same vital role that the arteries do in the human body for the HVAC system. The heated or cooled air is transported from the heater or air conditioning unit to the different rooms in your house through the ducts. When the ducts are not clean and are in good condition, the system will work properly, and the indoor temperature of the house will be comfortable. However, if the ducts are full of dirt, garbage, or sometimes mildew, it will cause an air circulation blockage.
What's more is that it becomes necessary for the HVAC system to double the work, make use of more and more energy hence paying higher utility bills.
The Science Behind Duct Cleaning and Energy Efficiency
Research done by the U.S. Department of Energy shows that approximately one-fifth to almost one-third of the air moving through the ducts is wasted owing to leakage, cracks, and bad connections in the ductwork. However, if your ducts are air-sealed, contaminants such as the layers of dust, pet dander, allergens, and debris from construction operations will still be able to block the airflow.
When the flow of air is cut:
The HVAC system takes longer to work effectively.
The load on the motors and fans increases, hence the energy consumption also rises.
The irregularity of your room temperature might be the reason you turn on the air conditioner more often.
All this might lead to a slow increase in your energy billing, and you may not even realize what is happening.
Signs Your Ducts Might Be Costing You More Than They Should
Curious if it is your ducts causing a sudden rise in your energy bill? You might find out from the following typical signs:
Some rooms get warmer while others are cool
Dust still gathers around the vents, even after you have cleaned them
Your bills are rising sharply, but there are no seasonal changes
The damp or musty smell pervades your house, and you may also suffer from an allergy
Your HVAC system is running constantly, particularly in the peak seasons
If there is more than one of these problems that you recognize, your ducts might be in urgent need of a thorough clean.
How Duct Cleaning Impacts Energy Efficiency
One of the jobs in which professional duct cleaners make sure to remove all that's accumulated inside the ductwork i.e., dust, debris, mold spores, and allergens. The latter leads to lower energy bills in the following way:
Improved Airflow: Clean ducts have no particulate matter that may expose them to the risk of being clogged. In such a scenario, the HVAC system quickly and easily provides hot/cold air to your home.
Reduced System Strain: A system that is not forced to work excessively hardly uses energy and components of the system wear out less, hence it has a longer life expectancy.
Thermostat Accuracy: The improvement in airflow will allow the thermostat in your room to detect the correct temperature of the room, thus the probability of wrong judgment will be very low.
Going from managing to keep your energy bills at the current level to an immediate 50% decrease in your bill as a result of duct cleaning in Orillia is apparently unrealistic. However, if the proper HVAC maintenance follows, it is still reported that lots of homeowners observed energy usage going down by 5%-15%.
Other Hidden Benefits of Clean Ducts
And, beyond your pocket, the topic of energy efficiency is a good argument for you to think about duct cleaning due to its more advantages:
Better Indoor Air Quality: The emphasis of the indoor air quality becomes more important, especially if you have allergies, asthma, or pets.
Elimination of Odors: The elimination of the odors and no sweaty or cold smells from the mildew; dust and recycled air are the sources of those smells.
Enhanced Comfort: If there are no hot and cold spots, it means that your rooms are getting the same coolness or warmth all the time.
System Longevity: Your HVAC system is under less pressure; fewer faults and more years of use are the consequences.
Is It Time to Clean Your Ducts?
Duct cleaning experts are of the opinion that it is advisable to have your ducts checked and perhaps cleaned every 3 to 5 years, or even earlier if:
You've recently done your house up, and
You own pets that shed, or
A family member has allergies or respiratory issues, or
You’re relocating to a house you don't know anything about in terms of maintenance history
Exactly the way you wouldn't let your car go without the necessary oil change, your HVAC system also requires some maintenance from time to time if it is to continue to operate efficiently.
Conclusion
It is without any doubt that cleaner ducts can bring down your energy bills…but could they? While the amount you save might not be the same from house to house and the same applies to HVAC, evidence shows the fact that it is there—your money and health at the minimum affected.
However, the cost of cleaning the air duct is not only recoverable savings but is also a way to enable you to create a cleaner, healthier, and energy-efficient home environment. Should you be willing to lead a happier, healthier, and less costly lifestyle, it is enough to rely on Central Heating professionals who, with advanced tools and by adhering to the highest standards, perform a professional, detailed, and satisfactory duct cleaning that you will actually feel.
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