Construction Or Renovation In The House
If a construction or renovation is going on in the house, there may be dirt, dust, and debris that make its way. If the HVAC system is not covered during the construction process, the dirt will surely make its way to the AC ducts. It can contain particles that can cause breathing issues, so the ducts need a proper cleaning immediately.
Rising Energy Bills
Your energy bills usually remain the same over the years. However, if you receive a noticeably higher bill in a month, it might indicate that the AC ductwork might be dirty. The air does not flow freely through the HVAC system if there is a lot of dirt. Thus the air conditioner works harder to maintain the temperature, which adds to energy bills.
Benefits Of Cleaning The Air Ducts
Cleaning the HVAC system comes with a lot of benefits. First, heating and cooling become more effective, maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. It leads to energy optimization that helps you save money, and it improves the lifespan of your AC unit. Lastly, there are health benefits of reducing allergies and leads to better air quality.
The Air Duct Cleaning Process
While cleaning, you must also check the air ducts for water leakage, dust, or debris. After cleaning the air ducts, you must also clean the heat exchanger, drain pan, condenser and evaporator coils, fan motor, and housing system to improve the system’s efficiency.
How To Keep The Air Ducts Clean
Preventing the dirt from getting into the HVAC system is the best option to keep the air ducts clean. You must clean the air filters regularly as they are responsible for cleaning the air. Cleaning them will help keep away the pet hair, dust, and dander out of the system. You must check the filters monthly, vacuum your space regularly, and conduct professional maintenance for the heating and cooling system at least once a year.
You may handle some parts of cleaning yourself, but some maintenance areas should be by a professional.
1. The vent covers need to be opened to check for dirt, dust, or debris inside.
2. The return air registers need to be checked for dust.
3. The filter needs to be removed and examined.
4. Check the furnace compartment and the blower fan.
5. The air conditioning coil needs an examination.
7. The air duct covers need to be removed and cleaned properly. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the ducts.
8. The ceiling vents need proper cleaning.
Bottom Line
Though regular cleaning of the air ducts is a must, it is also essential to restrict dust accumulation in your ducts. You may install filters, seal the gaps between the duct and the wall, and call for an HVAC technician to do the annual cleaning.