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How Dirty Air Ducts Can Affect Your HVAC System and Energy Bills

How Dirty Air Ducts Can Affect Your HVAC System and Energy Bills

According to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings, you can cut your energy use for heating and cooling from 20% to 50%.” Which means, cleaning your air ducts is part of proper equipment and home maintenance.

Without proper care, your HVAC system can accumulate dirt, grime, and dust, which can affect its ability to operate efficiently. Dirty air ducts can also have a significant impact on your utility bill. In this blog post, we explore how neglecting air duct cleaning can be costing you money and what you can do about it.

The Cons of Dirty Ducts

  1. Reduced airflow – The accumulation of dirt and dust in air ducts can cause reduced airflow. When the airflow is reduced, your HVAC system needs to work harder to push air through the ducts. This results in higher energy consumption and a spike in your utility bill.
  1. Uneven heating and cooling patterns – Dirty air ducts can also affect the distribution of air throughout your home. When ducts are clogged with dirt and dust, some rooms may receive less airflow, resulting in uneven heating and cooling. This means that your system has to work harder in some areas of your home.
  1. Increased wear and tear – A dirty HVAC system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable. This results in increased wear and tear on the system, which can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. It is essential to keep your air ducts clean to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system.
  1. Decreased efficiency – The accumulation of dirt and dust in your HVAC system can affect its energy efficiency. When the system is not operating efficiently, it consumes more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. This translates into higher utility bills. 
  1. Health problems – Pollen, pet dander, dust and other allergens are some of the most common substances found during a duct cleaning. Once these contaminants get into your home’s ductwork, they enter and circulate throughout your house each time you use your HVAC system. 

The Benefits of Clean Air Ducts

Most homeowners are unaware of the importance of clean ducts. Not only can dirty ducts lead to higher energy bills, but they can also impact your health. Here are some of the advantages of clean ducts:

  1. Improved air quality
  2. Improved heating and cooling efficiency
  3. Extends the life of your HVAC system
  4. Lowers your utility bills

Looking to save Money on your Utility Bill? 

Schedule an appointment with an Air Duct cleaning expert like Bactronix! We can inspect your system, assess its cleanliness, and formulate a plan to keep your system squeaky clean. Maintaining a clean HVAC system can prolong its lifespan, improve energy efficiency, and ensure that your home stays comfortable and safe all year round. Give us a call today, or read more about our Air Duct Cleaning services!