Your HVAC system is an important investment that helps you stay comfortable throughout the year in Baltimore, MD. But over time, the ducts inside your home can get dirty and clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris. This article offers valuable insight into how clean ducts can enhance the lifespan of an HVAC system.
How Clean Ducts Improve the Performance of HVAC Systems
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that homeowners can save up to 20-30% on their energy bills by properly maintaining their HVAC systems. Outside of maintaining it, the next task to extend its longevity is duct cleaning.
Keep in mind that the impact of duct cleaning on your system’s lifespan depends on a number of factors. These factors include the age and condition of your system, the type of ductwork you have, and the frequency of cleaning. Now that you understand how clean ducts can boost your HVAC system’s power, let’s take a look at some of the benefits.
Improved Airflow
Dirty ducts can put extra strain on your heating and cooling components. This can lead to premature wear and tear on the blower motor, compressor, and other components. Cleaning the ducts will likely make the system more efficient, allowing it to have a longer service life.
Enhanced Cooling
Dirt and debris can often clog the coils in your HVAC system. If the coils are clean, it will help refrigerant flow and transfer heat easily, making your HVAC system more reliable. This can also help prevent other issues from occurring that would lead to you needing to pay for repairs.
Better Health
Dust, dirt, pet dander, and pollen can accumulate in the air ducts over time. These particles can release allergens and toxins, potentially causing health problems for family members with allergies or asthma. Duct cleaning can help remove such particles from the ducts, which can reduce the risk of such health concerns.
The Lifespan of Air Ducts
The lifespan of an HVAC duct system can vary depending on a number of factors. However, it typically ranges from 10 to 15 years. Here are some factors that influence its lifespan.
- Climate: Ductwork in warm, humid climates is more likely to deteriorate than ductwork in cold, dry temperatures. This is because moisture can condense on the inside of the ducts and cause rust. Over time, rust contributes to corrosion, which can lead to holes forming in your ductwork that let conditioned air out and dust in.
- Level of maintenance: Ductwork that is periodically cleaned and inspected as necessary is less likely to deteriorate than ductwork that is not. Cleaning can remove dirt, dust, and other debris that can build up and restrict airflow. As needed inspections can help identify any damage to the ducts that you need to repair.
- Level of dust and debris in your home: If you have a lot of dust and debris in your home, it’s more likely to build up in your ducts.
- Quality of the ductwork: The quality of the ductwork can also affect its lifespan. Ductwork that’s properly installed and manufactured from high-quality materials is more likely to last longer than that made from low-quality materials or installed incorrectly.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Ducts
You can extend the lifespan of your ducts by getting them inspected and cleaned every few years. Make sure to work with a highly qualified HVAC service technician who has plenty of experience and can seal any located leaks. One of the best ways to fix air leaks is with Aeroseal duct sealing.
For 125 years and counting, our pros have assisted local customers with maintaining happy, healthy households. At Griffith Energy Services, we can help you with duct cleaning and duct sealing services , so schedule a complimentary consultation today.
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