If you’re like most people, you probably have a few home maintenance projects you’ve been working on this fall. Raking leaves, checking on heating systems, and shutting off exterior faucets might be a few of the seasonal items on your to-do list. What you may not realize is that your air ducts need maintenance, too.
Dirty air ducts are not only a challenge to your health, but also a hindrance to your HVAC system and even a potential fire hazard. Here are 7 reasons why you should have duct cleaning on your fall maintenance checklist.
1. You’re About to Begin Spending More Time Indoors
People tend to blame pollen and smog for respiratory health issues, but for many Americans, indoor air quality is a far more likely culprit. No matter how clean you are, contaminants will build up in your home just from you living there. Bacteria, dander, dust, household chemicals, and fungi will be drawn into your HVAC systems and recirculate into the indoor air. These harmful particles might build up even more during seasons when you’re spending more time indoors.
According to the EPA, some pollutants are 2 to 5 times more concentrated indoors. Clean air in your home is all the more important when you’re spending less time outdoors. Your respiratory system will thank you for getting your air ducts cleaned.
2. You Want to Save on Energy
Dusty air ducts could keep your HVAC system from working at optimum efficiency. You may be using far more energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature than you need to, which is bad for both the budget and the environment.
One study found that homeowners could expect to see 11% savings on their heating and cooling costs after cleaning a lightly-fouled duct system. If it’s been a while since you had duct cleaning done, your savings will likely be even higher.
Getting your air ducts cleaned means you can rest easy knowing your furnace or heat pump isn’t being hindered by a layer of unhealthy particles.
3. You’re Dealing with Asthma and Allergies
If anyone in your family has asthma or allergies, you may be more sensitive to poor indoor air quality. Many people are allergic to indoor air pollutants such as dust mites and mold. These allergens thrive in dirty air ducts, and according to the EPA they can worsen allergies and respiratory illnesses that already exist.
4. You’re Concerned About the Flu
Public health experts and doctors expect the 2019-2020 flu season to be moderate or severe. After a particularly bad flu season in Australia, doctors recommend that U.S. citizens get their flu shot as soon as possible. But since flu shots aren’t effective against every strain of the flu virus, you may want to take additional measures to keep your family from getting the flu.
When the air in your home stays still for too long, airborne viruses stick around and make it more likely that you’ll be infected. Running your HVAC system can help circulate the air, but accumulated dirt and dust could prevent the air from flowing effectively.
Dry air can also contribute to sickness, so consider running humidifiers as well as your HVAC system. With clean ducts and moderately humid air, you’ll have the best possible chance of staying well throughout the winter.
5. You Want to Keep the House Clean
Dirty air ducts can circulate dust throughout your home, making it dusty no matter how much you clean.
If you notice a layer of dust immediately after cleaning, your air ducts are probably to blame. Dark lines on light-colored upholstery and around open vents could also signal that there is dust circulating around your home. If you notice any of these signals, you should call an air duct cleaning service immediately.
6. You’d Like to Extend the Life of Your HVAC System
Most HVAC system failures are caused by too much dust and dirt building up inside. As particles settle over time, you will find that your furnace, heat pump, and/or air conditioner has to work harder to get the same results, making your energy bills skyrocket and wearing out your HVAC system faster.
Calling an air duct cleaning professional can help you avoid needing costly HVAC repairs in the dead of winter. Like with most things, proper air duct maintenance can help you save money in the long run.
Air Duct Cleaning in the Pacific Northwest
Clean ducts are more important than ever during the winter, when you’re likely using your HVAC system the most. During cold/flu season, removing unnecessary dust, allergens, and viruses from your ducts can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your family healthy.
While you may be able to clean the dust off the surfaces of your home, you likely can’t reach the ductwork on your own — and that’s where harmful particles will build up the most. A professional duct cleaner can reach the parts of your home that you can’t, ensuring your air stays as clean as possible.
DuctVac Northwest is certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association and offers over 25 years of experience in the HVAC and duct cleaning industries. We are dedicated to providing homeowners in the Greater Seattle, Everett, and Bellevue area with better indoor air quality. With the dust and bacteria out of your ducts, you can have a safer, more efficient HVAC system and enjoy breathing clean air indoors.
Contact us today to get a free quote on duct cleaning.