Dealing with jaw-dropping energy bills? We feel your pain! That said, we also know it’s possible to reduce them, but only if you take the appropriate measures. At Dust Doctors, we want you to know that routine HVAC cleaning is essential, not only to maintain your HVAC efficiency but also to create the healthiest indoor air quality possible. If you’re curious about what measures you can take to lighten your monthly bill burden and breathe easier at home, you’ll find five of our best recommendations below.
1. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
According to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, changing your air filters regularly is one of the most effective things you can do to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency.
During periods of heavy use — that’s generally summer and winter — check your filter(s) once a month to determine if they need to be swapped out. If they look okay after 30 days, recheck at the two-month mark. If they still look okay, be sure to change them when they’ve been in place for 90 days. Three months is the longest you should ever leave a filter in place.
Because HVAC filters trap dust and debris within their weave, they can impede airflow into the system when they get too clogged. When that happens, your air conditioner or furnace must work harder and longer than necessary to adequately cool or heat your home. You’ll see that additional (unnecessary) work reflected in your energy bills, which you certainly don’t want.
What’s more, dirty filters can allow an excessive amount of particulate matter to enter your HVAC system. Over time, that debris buildup can clog up the working components of your a/c and heating units and necessitate pricey maintenance or professional repairs. In a worst-case scenario, too much debris in the system can even cause premature system failure.
2. Schedule Professional Air Duct Cleaning
You change your HVAC filter at regular intervals, right? Well, your ducts deserve the same attention! We get it, you probably aren’t pondering your ductwork day and night, but if you’re struggling with high energy bills, it’s time to start thinking about the role your ducts play in your HVAC system.
When they’re caked in dust and grime, your ducts cannot transport air efficiently throughout your home. Perhaps worse, when air flows through the ductwork, it continually stirs up dust and tiny particles and forces them into the air filter, which clogs it much faster than normal.
Bottom line? Dirty ductwork congests your HVAC system and reduces its efficiency. If you’re looking to lower those energy bills, professional duct cleaning can help you do it.
3. Schedule Annual Furnace Cleaning and Service
Did you know you should have an annual furnace inspection and cleaning? If that’s a no, we’re guessing your furnace could use some professional attention. Routine furnace cleaning helps boost your HVAC system’s efficiency by:
● Removing dust and dirt that can travel into your air ducts and clog your filter
● Easing the burden on the system’s blower motor
● Reducing the amount of power needed to force air through the system
● Decreasing stress on the system’s heat exchanger
● Lessening the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and repairs
One thing to note: Although professional furnace cleaning can help improve your system’s efficiency, the service doesn’t address the burner component or include a tuneup. To really give your system an efficiency boost, you should also contact your licensed HVAC tech to perform recommended system maintenance.
For more tips on keeping your furnace in tip-top shape, check out 6 Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Furnace.
4. Schedule A/C Cleaning and Maintenance Once a Year
Last but definitely not least, if you’ve never had your air conditioner thoroughly cleaned, professional A/C cleaning can make all the difference. Air conditioners are notoriously dirty, primarily because they contain significant moisture, and that moisture often breeds mold, mildew, and other less-than-pleasant particles.
When air passes through the apparatus and into your home’s ductwork, it stirs up those hazardous particles and carries them indoors. Unfortunately, this phenomenon doesn’t just slow down your system; it can have deleterious consequences for your health, too. For healthy indoor air quality and a more efficient HVAC system, you should have a professional A/C cleaning service tend to your unit once per year.
Aside from routine cleanings, you should also have your unit professionally inspected and serviced regularly. For more tips on keeping your a/c unit in optimal condition, check out Beat the Heat: 5 Tips To Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer.
5. Seal and Insulate Your Air Ducts
If your air ducts aren’t properly sealed they can leak warm and cool air. This will force your air conditioner and heating unit to work harder and longer than necessary to keep your home comfortable. If your ducts aren’t properly insulated, they may also be wasting energy if they’re getting excessively hot or cold, depending on the season.
To help keep energy waste to a minimum, seal duct seams and connections in sections of the ducting that run through your attic, garage, basement, or crawlspace. You can use foil tape or mastic duct sealant to get the job done. After sealing, wrap your air ducts in insulation to prevent them from getting too warm during summer and too cold during winter. For helpful tips on how to do this effectively, check out energystar.gov’s Duct Sealing Fact Sheet and Guide.
Get a Free Quote for Comprehensive HVAC & Duct Cleaning in the Twin Cities
At Dust Doctors, it’s our mission to help Twin Cities homeowners improve their indoor air quality and get the most out of their HVAC systems. If you’ve been grappling with higher-than-normal energy bills, our professional duct, a/c, and furnace cleaning team ready to help you lower them.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, give us a call at 651-319-9777. You can also send us a message with any questions or concerns or request a free quote online, and we’ll get in touch as quickly as we can!
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