Have you noticed a sudden rise in your energy bills? It might be time to observe your air ducts. Believe it or not, dirty and clogged air ducts can significantly impact the amount of energy you use – and waste – every month. In this blog post, we’ll explore some surprising ways that neglected air ducts can affect your bottom line and share tips for keeping them clean and efficient.
So if you’re ready to save money, breathe easier, and improve the health of your home, keep reading!
Dirty Air Ducts & High Energy Bills
As much as we may try to keep our homes clean, some places are just difficult to reach. One of these places is your air ducts. While you may not think about them often, they significantly affect your home’s energy efficiency.
Dirty air ducts can have a major impact on your energy bills. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, 25% of the energy used for heating and cooling a home is wasted because of dirty air ducts. That’s a lot of money going down the drain!
There are a few reasons why dirty air ducts can lead to higher energy bills. First, when air ducts are full of dirt and dust, they become less efficient at circulating air. This means your heating and cooling system must work harder to do its job, using more energy.
Second, dirty air ducts can cause your HVAC system to overheat. When this happens, your system will automatically shut off to cool down, which wastes energy and raises your utility bills.
If you notice leaks in your air ducts, this can also cause your energy bills to go up. Leaks allow conditioned air to escape before reaching its intended destination – meaning your HVAC system has to run longer to compensate for the lost airflow.
Not only does this waste energy, but it also puts unnecessary wear.
What Are 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:
- Clean ducts improve air quality.
Dirty air ducts can circulate dust, pollen, and other allergens throughout your home. This can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. If you or someone in your family already suffers from allergies or asthma, keeping the ducts clean is essential to improve air quality.
- Clean ducts improve heating and cooling efficiency.
When your ducts are clogged with dirt and dust, it is harder for your heating and cooling system to do its job. This leads to longer run times and higher energy bills. Keeping your ducts clean will help your HVAC system run more efficiently and save loads of money on your energy bill.
- Clean ducts can extend the life of your HVAC system.
Dirty ductwork stresses your heating and cooling system, which can shorten its lifespan. By keeping your ductwork clean, you’ll help extend the life of your HVAC system and avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road.
When to Call a Professional for Air Duct Cleaning?
If you’ve noticed your energy bills creeping up lately, it might be time to call a professional for air duct cleaning. Dust, dirt, and other debris build up in your ductwork over time, making your HVAC system work harder than needed. This drives up your energy costs and may also lead to premature wear and tear on your system.
If you suspect your ductwork is dirty, there are a few telltale signs for you to look for:
- Your vents are covered in dust or other debris.
- You can see dust or debris from your vents when the heat or AC is on.
- Your home feels stuffy, even when the windows are open.
- You have allergies or respiratory problems that seem aggravated by time spent indoors.
Read More: Surprising Ways Air Ducts Can Impact Energy Bills
Conclusion
Dirty air ducts have a lot of impact on your energy bills. Not only does it lead to higher utility costs due to inefficient heating and cooling, but it also has the potential for health problems due to increased dust, mold, and other allergens.
Taking precautionary measures such as regular maintenance and cleaning can ensure that your air ducts are in good condition and help you maintain lower energy bills while protecting your family’s health at the same time.
If you notice any of the problematic signs we have mentioned in this blog, it’s time to give us a call.
We’ll send a certified technician out to take a look and let you know what options are available for cleaning your ductwork and keeping it that way. Call us Alpha Clean Air at (862) 500 3828 today.