Dirty Air Ducts Cost More and Waste Energy
You’ve been living in your home for a while now and spent countless seasons turning your heating and air conditioning on and off to maintain that perfect temperature. But this time something is different, your energy bill is more expensive now as compared to previous years. You switched over to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances last year and your drafty windows and doors are still sealed, so nothing should have changed. What gives?
Check Your Air Ducts
During the process of increasing efficiencies throughout a home, many homeowners overlook one of the biggest sources of energy, the HVAC system. Your home’s source of heat and air is the lungs of your house, taking air in and breathing it back out through a series of air duct pathways. As your home goes through the seasons, dirt, dust, pet dander and more contaminants build up in your system’s air ducts, making it harder for the unit to reach that desired comfort level. As a result, more energy is required to function which adds to your energy bill.
Save Money & Energy with Regular Duct Cleaning
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 25% to 40% of the energy used to heat or cool the home is wasted. As the price of heating and cooling increases each year, why not do everything you can to cut back on costs? Getting your heating and cooling system cleaned will not only improve the quality of the air circulating around your home but it may also make a difference in your monthly utility bills.
Maintaining your HVAC system doesn’t just help you cut back on your energy costs, it also helps you avoid expensive repairs and replacements in the future. As your system works harder to circulate air throughout your home, the higher the chances are of it breaking down from overuse.
How do I increase my energy efficiency?
To start increasing the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, get into the habit of changing your air filters regularly. A clean air filter traps the dirt and dust traveling through your air ducts and helps maintain your home’s indoor air quality.
Even with regular air filter changes, your air ducts are going to need to be cleaned to ensure maximum efficiency in the long run. This involves hiring a professional NADCA-certified contractor to inspect and clean your system to establish that it is working properly. NADCA makes it easy for homeowners to find a professional with their online directory, which allows you to search by zip code to locate a company in your area.