The ducts are a vital component of your HVAC system, but many homeowners neglect to maintain them. Preventative duct maintenance is always easier, less expensive, and less stressful than fixing a major problem, and adequately maintained ducts can improve the overall functioning of your HVAC system.
Comfortable Temperatures
When your HVAC system is in excellent working condition, your home’s temperature should stay within a degree or two of the thermostat’s temperature setting. If the ducts are dirty, leaky, or damaged, your house might get too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. You want to be comfortable in your own home, and investing in duct maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure the house stays at your desired temperature.
Duct Maintenance = Better Air Quality
The air in your home constantly circulates through the HVAC ducts. If the ducts are dusty, dirty, or moldy, those particles will enter the air in your house’s interior. Not only can this make the air smell bad, but it can also exacerbate allergies or cause respiratory problems. By cleaning out the ducts, you’ll dramatically decrease the amount of mold, dirt, or allergens in the air.
Lower Utility Bills
Clogged, dirty, or damaged ducts make your HVAC system far less efficient. The system has to work harder to push air through the ducts, and this increase in effort is reflected in your energy bills. Duct maintenance can reduce your monthly bill by a considerable amount by making it easier for air to flow through the system.
Proper Duct Maintenance Lifespan
Preventative maintenance can extend the ducts’ lifespan, but it also benefits the entire HVAC system. When the ducts are dirty or leaky, the unit has to expend more energy to regulate your home’s temperature. If the ducts are in terrible condition, the system may constantly heat or cool the house. This can quickly wear out the unit, and you may eventually face a premature and expensive replacement. Regular duct maintenance dramatically reduces the burden on the central HVAC unit, so you won’t have to worry about major repairs or upgrades for a long time.
Reduced Fire Risk
Dust, pet hair, or other debris in the ducts and vents can increase your risk of a house fire, mainly if the system uses natural gas or propane. A house fire is a devastating experience, and all homeowners should do everything in their power to prevent it from occurring. Cleaning out the HVAC ducts at least once per year is a great way to safeguard your home against fires.
Although duct inspection and maintenance may not be at the forefront of your mind as a homeowner, they are critical tasks to complete each year. By taking care of the ducts, you keep your HVAC system in optimal working condition, and you make your home safer and more comfortable.