If you're not sure when your air ducts were last cleaned, it's time to call a professional and get the ball rolling on a cleaner home. Did you know that your home accumulates around 40 pounds of dust each year? This dust builds up in the air ducts and is circulated throughout the house when the air conditioning unit is running. The dirtier the duct system, the more difficult it is for the air conditioning unit to push air through the ducts and make it circulate evenly throughout the house. This can cause your air conditioning system engine to suffer from wear and tear.
Fungi and bacteria can accumulate in air ducts, leading to allergies, discomfort, respiratory problems, and more. Cleaning the air ducts removes pollen and impurities from the air, significantly improving the quality of breathing and long-term health. Additionally, if your air conditioning system has to work harder because of dirt and contaminants, energy is wasted. According to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for 43% of a typical household service. With proper maintenance, you can reduce your energy costs by 20 to 50%.
All kinds of airborne particles from dirty air ducts cause polluted air in your home. The National Association of Air Duct Cleaners (NADCA) advocates for routine cleaning and maintenance of air ducts, not just dust control. The indoor air in your home should always be as clean and healthy as possible, and a clean air duct system will help ensure that. It's important to call a trusted professional to periodically clean the air ducts in your air conditioning system. Cleaning ventilation grilles regularly can reduce sick time, medical bills, illness and personal discomfort. Given how expensive it is to completely replace an HVAC system, performing regular air duct maintenance can significantly extend its life.
Over time, the air ducts create their own inner coating of dust, debris, and toxins, which then circulate and recirculate throughout the house. Only thorough cleaning will prevent contaminants from spreading again throughout the duct system. Pollen, pet dander, and mold can influence air pollution coming out of ducts. Routine duct cleaning by a certified HVAC technician will help ensure that the ducts do not become a breeding ground for these harmful health pathogens.