5 Benefits of Duct Cleaning Before Fall
The smell of roasting chiles mingles with the cool, fresh air and vibrant fall foliage, signaling the arrival of autumn in Albuquerque. While this magical season is full of beauty, planning HVAC maintenance before fall is in full swing will help prepare homes and properties for the colder months ahead. Many homeowners and property managers only clean their air ducts after events like flooding or when obvious issues, such as visible dirt or unpleasant odors, arise. However, regular air duct cleaning is essential for maintaining healthy air quality and ensuring your HVAC system operates efficiently throughout fall and winter.
What is Duct Cleaning?
Duct cleaning typically involves the detailed cleaning of the HVAC components in forced air systems by a professional. This process includes cleaning AC ducts, supply and return air ducts, registers and diffusers.
Duct cleaning is especially important for maintaining health, particularly for those with pets, allergies, or who smoke indoors. It’s also necessary for homes with water contamination or those that have recently experienced damage to the HVAC system. While these issues may trigger the need for air duct cleaning, it’s essential for every homeowner to schedule regular professional cleanings to keep their HVAC systems functioning optimally.
5 Key Benefits of Duct Cleaning This Fall
- Improve Indoor Air Quality
Residents of New Mexico are well aware of the region’s arid environment, which contributes to higher levels of dust and allergens accumulating in homes. An average HVAC system pulls in contaminants like dust, dander, and chemicals, recirculating them five to seven times daily. Over time, these contaminants build up in the ductwork.
Regularly cleaning HVAC ducts helps reduce dust and allergen particles, leading to cleaner indoor air. This is especially beneficial for those with respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies, as clean air can help alleviate symptoms. As the weather cools and people spend more time indoors, clean ducts contribute to a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment.
- Increased HVAC Efficiency
An efficiently functioning HVAC system not only improves air quality but also enhances the overall health of the system. Clogged ducts restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and increasing wear and tear. According to the Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used to heat or cool a home is wasted, often due to inefficient systems operating with clogged or contaminated ducts. Regular HVAC cleaning ensures better airflow, allowing the system to use less energy and ultimately lowering utility bills.
- Prolonged HVAC System Lifespan
Clogged ducts reduce efficiency, while a clean system minimizes wear and tear, ultimately extending the lifespan of your HVAC system. Regular cleaning and maintenance help the system run more smoothly, using less energy and resulting in noticeable savings on utility bills.
Peak usage often occurs during the holidays when heating systems are working harder and many appliances are in use. If ducts are clogged, this increased demand can lead to a system breakdown at the worst possible time. No one wants to deal with HVAC repairs during the holidays. By maintaining and cleaning the ducts before fall, homeowners can prepare their systems for extra use in the coming months.
- Odor Elimination
There’s nothing worse than a stubborn household odor that just won’t go away. Over time dust, and pet dander can quietly accumulate, causing unpleasant, lingering smells that seem impossible to eliminate. As the coolness of the changing seasons arrives and windows are closed to keep out the chill, these odors can become even more concentrated and noticeable. A thorough duct cleaning can effectively remove the buildup of dust, and pet dander, helping to keep your home smelling fresh and clean, even when the windows are sealed tight for the season.
Expert HVAC Recommendations
So, what duct cleaning services and frequency are best for regular HVAC system maintenance? For typical homes in Albuquerque, cleaning the ducts every three to five years is recommended. However, if someone in the home suffers from allergies or respiratory issues, the ducts should be cleaned every two to three years. Pet owners are also advised to clean the ducts every two to three years. Regular inspections of an HVAC system help determine the appropriate frequency of air duct cleaning for a specific household.
Final Thoughts
Living in New Mexico, homeowners understand the unique arid climate combined with the intense monsoon season. These factors make it crucial to pay attention to the HVAC system in a home or business property. Whether a homeowner notices worsening allergies, a musty smell, or more pet dander around, it’s worth getting the HVAC system checked and the ducts cleaned. For property owners who don’t notice a change in air quality, it’s important to check when the ducts were last cleaned. Keeping the ducts clean can lower utility bills and extend the life of the overall HVAC system.
Anderson Air Corps is the local Albuquerque company to turn to for air duct cleaning, AC cleaning, and all other HVAC service needs. As a locally owned HVAC company with over 60 years of experience, they understand the needs of customers in this region. Schedule a duct cleaning today and prepare your home for the coolness of fall and the chill of winter.