Few things can compare to living in the Inland Northwest with its unique weather patterns and temperature changes at any time of year. Unfortunately, however, broad weather swings can tax your home’s heating and cooling system as the HVAC system works constantly to maintain and deliver comfortable temperatures within your home.
When your HVAC system works that hard, it’s easy to become concerned about how much your utility bill is going to be from month to month. What can you do to control costs? Believe it or not, the state of your air ducts can significantly affect your heating and cooling costs. If they are clogged and dirty, your energy costs are going to increase—not something you welcome when energy costs are creeping higher, anyway. But clean air ducts can ensure that your utility bills are not paying for inefficiency.
Dryer Ducks is a full-service duct cleaning service company based in Liberty Lake, serving the communities in and around Spokane and Coeur d’Alene in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. While we love this climate, we know the strain that it can put on HVAC systems. Many people don’t think much about the state of their air ducts, figuring that replacing the filter is all the maintenance necessary. But they are overlooking how important air duct cleaning is to keeping the system running smoothly (and helping you avoid having to repair or replace it). Here are some ways in which clean air ducts can maximize your home’s energy efficiency and keep your utility budget in check.
The Hidden Cost of Dirty Air Ducts
As air ducts distribute warm and cool air throughout your home, over time, dirt and debris can accumulate inside, creating blockages that obstruct and contaminate the airflow. Consequently, your HVAC system begins to consume more energy, increasing in inefficiency over time. According to energy.gov, heating and cooling your home typically makes up about 54% of your utility bill, the highest category. In the Inland Northwest, where many homes are older, energy inefficiency may be increasing that percentage amount in your home.
Rising Energy Costs in Our Region
Like much of the nation, the Inland Northwest has also experienced substantial increases in energy costs in addition to increased costs of living. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating costs in our region are projected to increase by as much as 30% this winter. This may not even factor in the possibility of an overly harsh winter or sweltering summer and their effects on energy bills. With household budgets already stretched under the strain of inflation, finding ways to reduce energy consumption has become a necessity for families in the region.
How Clean Air Ducts Help Your Budget
Dirty air ducts force your HVAC system to work more and harder, leading to increased wear and tear. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, cleaning these vital systems can improve HVAC efficiency by up to 40%, preserving your entire system for the long haul. Nearly half of your heating and cooling costs could be redirected to other parts of your budget, and you can rest easy knowing that your system is receiving necessary maintenance that could avoid repair or replacement costs.
Additionally, with medical costs increasing, maintaining air quality with professionally cleaned air ducts can reduce the risk of respiratory complications and allergies, preventing expensive medical bills and providing safe, clean air to family members.
Why Routine Cleaning Matters in the Inland Northwest
Moisture is a part of everyday life here in spring and fall. As a result, bacteria can often accumulate in poorly maintained air ducts, affecting the efficiency of your HVAC system and your family’s health. Routine air duct cleaning by local professionals eliminates these potentially hazardous contaminants, making it easier to breathe safely and maintain your health.
Professional cleaning by a trustworthy company also extends the lifespan of your HVAC investment, preserving its many components. In other words, the cost of cleaning can not only be offset by utility bill savings, it can also be offset by costly and frustrating breakdowns and premature equipment replacement, protecting your overall budget in the long term.
How To Take Advantage of Cost-Saving Benefits
Clean air ducts are essential for maintaining an energy-efficient home. Ensuring your home’s HVAC system performs at its peak efficiency is necessary to create an economically efficient home. By scheduling regular professional air duct cleaning, you will protect your budget, health, and overall HVAC investment, and also improve your home’s comfort and safety.
If you need to have your air ducts cleaned this season or want to learn more about the many ways to decrease your energy budget, schedule a consultation with Dryer Ducks. Our award-winning services can help you start saving on energy costs immediately from a local professional company that understands the air duct needs of this region.