The ductwork in your home distributes heated and cooled air throughout your home. When ductwork becomes clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, it disrupts airflow and makes your HVAC system work harder. The increased energy consumption also causes your energy bills to skyrocket. Addressing blocked ductwork issues sooner rather than later saves you in more ways than one.
1. Reduced Airflow Efficiency
Dust and dirt buildup in ductwork creates a barrier for air to flow through and restricts smooth airflow. When cooled or heated air runs into obstructions, the HVAC system must work harder to push the air through. This extra push means the air distribution process uses more energy.
Not only does the HVAC system work harder to push air through the ductwork, but because you might experience uneven temperatures throughout your home, you’ll likely adjust the thermostat to achieve your desired temperature. This action increases your home’s energy consumption even more, further driving up your energy bills, but it might have little effect on addressing those hot and cold spots.
2. Increased Strain on HVAC System
Any time your HVAC system endures unnecessary stress, your household’s energy consumption rises. Often, to accommodate dirty ductwork, the HVAC system must run for longer periods to achieve the thermostat’s set temperature. Not only does the increased strain on the system cause higher electric bills, but it can also increase its wear and tear and affect its lifespan.
3. Extended Operation Time
Clogged ducts will cause your furnace to run longer to reach and maintain your household’s desired temperature. You might even notice your furnace or air conditioner turns on and off frequently. This is called short cycling and refers to a system that never completes a full cycle. Mechanical defects can cause short cycling, but if your system seems in good working order, then chances are the issue might be resolved with a simple duct cleaning.
The Long-term Benefits of Duct Cleaning
The impact of clogged ducts extends beyond immediate discomfort and higher bills. Ignoring your home’s ductwork can lead to more frequent breakdowns. You might think that dirt in your ductwork doesn’t affect the entire HVAC system, but it does.
When dust and debris build up in the ductwork system, it doesn’t just stay there. The particles make their way into the system, potentially damaging mechanical components like fans, heat exchangers, and motors — all expensive items to repair.
To avoid escalating repair costs, address dirty ductwork right away. The issues often start small but will escalate quickly if not addressed. Something that only required a simple duct cleaning can quickly turn into a costly repair job.
Regular duct maintenance also extends the lifespan of your HVAC system. When your system constantly struggles against blocked ducts, it begins to wear down at an accelerated rate. This increased stress can shave one, two, three, or more years off the expected lifespan of your HVAC equipment.
How Often Is Duct Cleaning Recommended?
Duct cleaning is one of the most inexpensive forms of maintenance for your HVAC system. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends that homeowners clean their ductwork every five years. If you don’t remember the last time you had your air ducts cleaned or recently moved into a new home, it’s also a good idea to clean the ductwork.
Other signs you should call for duct cleaning include:
- Dust accumulation has increased
- Musty odors
- Poor airflow
- Higher energy bills
Neglecting duct maintenance can lead to a host of issues that result in expensive HVAC repairs. Cleaning your ducts will also help you and your household breathe easier. Allergens and other particles won’t be airborne in your home, nor will they continually recirculate through your system, aggravating respiratory symptoms and irritating nasal passages. Your HVAC system will work more smoothly and with less strain. The bottom line is this: Ductwork cleaning can significantly improve your indoor air quality while lowering your energy bills.
When you need ductwork cleaning in your Fort Mill, SC, home, Arce Heating & AC has the solutions you need. We offer a host of services for homeowners, including expert heating and cooling services, indoor air quality, thermostat repair, and other preventive maintenance services. Call us today for professional ductwork cleaning services!
