How Does Duct Cleaning Affect Heater Efficiency?

Ductwork is hidden within the home’s structure and out of sight. As a result, most homeowners often forget about this network that delivers warm and cool air into the home. During the wintertime, consumers are concerned about the efficiency of their heating systems and seek ways to improve the unit’s efficiency and lower heating bills. Many are unaware that there are a number of factors that can adversely affect the condition within air ducts. Accumulated dust, dirt and other debris can lead to a number of problems, including lower efficiency. Research by the EPA has determined that duct cleaning allows HVAC systems to run more efficiently.

How Cleaning the Ducts Improves Performance and Efficiency

When there is a build-up of dust and debris in the ductwork, the air filters are much more likely to clog up quickly and increase the airflow resistance in the ducts. The home’s HVAC system will need to work harder to keep the house warm and to distribute the warmed air. More energy will be required, and the end result will be higher utility bills.

Dirty air ducts also put the HVAC system at risk for lower efficiency levels and may compromise the systems internal components. The debris in the ductwork travels to the sensitive parts of the system and can cause a premature breakdown. By cleaning the ducts, you’ll be improving heater efficiency, performance and system longevity.

Cleaning the ducts doesn’t typically need to be done often. Most industry professionals will recommend cleaning the ducts once every three to five years. Factors, such as construction and pets, are some of the reasons why air ducts may need to be cleaned closer to the three-year mark.

How Professionals Clean Air Ducts

Professional duct cleaners use a variety of equipment to clean ductwork.

  • Access and Visualization Tools: Access tools are used to create entry points for inspection and cleaning. These points may be small for optical imaging or large to accommodate bulky equipment. Technicians may use visualization tools like closed circuit TVs, direct-view periscopes or hand-held mirrors to evaluate the amount of debris and assist with the cleaning process.
  • Hand-Cleaning Tools and Vacuum Collection Devices: Hand-cleaning tools include brushes and pneumatic agitation devices like air whips, air skippers and blowguns. The debris is loosened and collected by a high-powered vacuum mounted on a truck. The vacuum also controls the spread of the debris.
  • Compressed Air Sources and HEPA Vacuums: Compressed air sources provide the large amount of needed pressure for the tools. Professional duct cleaners also use HEPA vacuums that are designed to extract water as well.

HVAC Services and Products at Custom Air in Venice, FL

At Custom Air, we offer duct cleaning services done by trained and experienced technicians in accordance with the high standards outlined by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Our technicians have the skills, knowledge and state-of-the-art equipment to get the job done properly and safely.  Please call our team for additional information.

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