When summer arrives and temperatures across the nation are soaring, you may find that your HVAC unit is working overtime. But heat isn’t the only reason that you may see your bills soaring. Indoor pollutants such as dust mites and pet dander can be circulated and recirculated through the home, affecting not just indoor air quality but your HVAC system’s efficiency as well. Have you been putting off having your HVAC serviced or getting your home’s air ducts cleaned? Read on for 3 reasons why that might be costing you in the long run.
Bad Air Means Bad Health
Air pollutants in the home can be numerous, ranging from chemicals to pet dander. In fact, according to a recent study by the Asthma and Allergy foundations, 80% of Americans are exposed to dust mites, and 60% to pet dander.
In the summer, when air conditioning units are responsible for carrying the heavy burden of air circulation, there’s no way for these pollutants to be filtered out. Clogged or dirty vents can aggravate existing conditions, and high enough concentrations can cause reactions even in those who might not know that they’re allergy sufferers at all.
Clogged Vents? Your Machine is Working Harder…
In addition to poor indoor air quality being bad for the occupants of a home, clogged vents can also cause problems for the HVAC system itself. Contaminants in the ducts cause the system to kick into overdrive, wasting huge amounts of energy to cool a home. Over time, this extra work can shorten the lifespan of the system. Keeping up with regular maintenance such as air duct cleaning will help prolong the life of the system and allow homeowners and landlords to avoid potentially cost-heavy repairs.
…And Harder Work Means Higher Bills
If your vents are working hard, you might not notice that you’re shortening the lifespan of your system right away. However, what may be more immediately obvious is the spike in bills associated with cooling your home. While some rise during the summer months is inevitable, that is compounded by the system overcompensating for the pollutants inside. Once you hire an air duct cleaning service to rid your ducts of those pollutants, you should notice a decrease in your power bill.
Air duct maintenance may be one of the less glamorous aspects of home maintenance. However, its importance can’t be overstated. Between improving the indoor air quality for inhabitants and causing savings both short- and long-term, caring for your HVAC system is the smartest choice you’ll make this summer. Have questions about how indoor air pollutants might be driving up your bill? Contact an Enviro Air representative today.