It’s doubtful that there is even a single American who jumps for joy when faced with the prospect of maintaining their HVAC equipment. What’s worse is that people cringe at the thought of cleaning their filthy air ducts because they have better things to do or the thought just isn’t appealing. Choosing not to clean your air ducts can have some terribly negative consequences, though. The largest incentives for cleaning your air ducts are health and money – two things every American loves. You’re probably wondering, “How do clean air ducts improve health and finances?” The answers aren’t obvious, so allow me to explain.
Energy Efficiency
Most people aren’t aware that dirty air ducts can decrease the performance of their heating and cooling equipment. In some extreme cases, dirty air ducts can restrict airflow by as much as 40%. Some people are aware that a dirty air filter decreases the efficiency of their HVAC system, but you should be aware that dirty air ducts do as well. This causes a few problems.
First, because we rely on our heating and cooling equipment so much, even small variances in efficiency can add up to substantial amounts of money each year. The less efficient your system is, the more energy you will consume and ultimately the more money you will pay.
Second, dirty air ducts can contribute to a shortened lifespan of your equipment. The more debris that clogs your air system, the harder the blower will have to work – day after day. Any mechanical device has a finite lifespan, and making your equipment work harder than it needs to could lead to the need for new equipment sooner than expected.
Health Benefits
Some people think that dirty air ducts are a health concern. They are, just not in the way that you may think. There haven’t been any studies that show dirty air ducts are a health hazard or cause a decreased lifespan.
However, they are certainly a problem for people who are susceptible to allergies or suffer from respiratory illnesses. Every human body is unique, and some people are much more sensitive to dirt, dust, debris, and allergens than others. If you or a loved one in your home suffers from asthma, itchy eyes, or constant sneezing, it is in your best interest to get your air ducts cleaned to prevent airborne particles from constantly recirculating throughout your home.
Common Symptoms of Dirty Air Ducts
If you aren’t sure whether or not your air ducts are filthy, the following are some symptoms to look out for:
- Mold that is visible to the naked eye on your ductwork
- Noticeable dust, dirt, spider webs, and other debris caught on your vents
- Dead bugs or animal droppings inside your ductwork
Air Duct Cleaning in the Chicago Area
If you want your air ducts cleaned but either don’t have the time to do the job yourself or are disgusted at the thought, contact Andrew Roto Services, Inc. We serve Schaumburg, Lombard, Roselle, Bensenville, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, Villa Park, Lombard, Elmhurst, and we can help extend the life of your HVAC equipment.
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