Why You Should Clean Your Air Ducts This Winter

Why You Should Clean Your Air Ducts This Winter

Winter is almost upon us. The air is getting colder, the days are getting shorter, and the holiday season is taking over. Winter is also the time of year where your home’s HVAC system is worked the hardest.

While the winter months are some of the busiest each year, don’t forget to get your air ducts cleaned sooner rather than later. Making sure your HVAC system is clean before you crank the heat up can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

1. Reduce Fire Hazards

While using your AC during the spring and summer, your duct system will build up dust and debris. A common problem homeowners face is smelling something burning when they turn on their heating once it gets cold.

A large buildup of particulates in your HVAC system can be hazardous for your home. While most fires do not start from dust and debris burning from the heat, that buildup does not help in the event of a fire.

Fires can break out in your home from electrical issues, candles, or fireplace accidents. If the flames reach your ducts, the flammable dust can easily spread the fire throughout your home. That’s why it’s best to get your air ducts professionally cleaned early in the season, especially before you host holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

2. Protect From the Flu

Winter is the peak season for the flu to spread in the United States. While many families get flu shots to improve their immune systems, there are plenty of ways at home to keep yourselves from getting infected.

The flu virus can stay in your home due to an inefficient HVAC system. If your air ducts are full of debris and particulates, it’s more difficult for air to properly circulate throughout your home. The flu virus thrives in still, dry air, making it harder for you to fight the virus.

By properly cleaning your ducts, you allow clean air to circulate through your house. Not only do you reduce particulates in the air, but you also help to keep the air flowing. If you’re afraid of your home’s air being too dry, we also recommend getting a humidifier.

3. Keep Your Home Clean

Dust and debris build up not only affects your health, it can also affect your home’s cleanliness. If your home has ever been particularly dusty, or there’s a smell you can’t seem to get rid of, a dirty air duct could be the source.

Your HVAC system not only circulates air, but it also picks up whatever debris is caught in your ducts. These can range from dust, dander, and dirt, and they’ll spread throughout your home if left alone.

Removing these particulates from your home can help make your home easier to clean. You’ll have less dust to clean up, and your allergy symptoms can also be reduced. Best of all, the improved air quality can give your home a fresh smell that air fresheners just can’t reach.

4. Reduce Your Energy Bill

It’s no secret that energy bills skyrocket during the cold winter months. Not only are your lights on for longer, but heating requires more energy in general. While you might be planning on how to save on your bill each month, a clean HVAC system could help you save more.

The build up of particulates in your air ducts reduces the efficiency of the entire system. Since the air can’t easily circulate around the house, your heating system has to work harder to match your thermostat settings. That requires more energy.

The less resistance your hot air has, the less energy your HVAC system has to use. Altogether, you’ll have a lower energy bill and your house will warm up more quickly when your air ducts are clean.

5. Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

Dust build up not only causes your system to work harder, but that extra energy usage is also damaging for your HVAC system. As debris settles in your heater or AC unit, and these systems also have to work harder, you wear out your HVAC system more quickly.

An overworked or stuffed HVAC system is more susceptible to a system failure. Not only will you be without heat during the coldest months of the year, but to repair or replace your HVAC system is an expensive investment.

Rather than paying more later, it’s best to get your HVAC system checked and your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis. This is especially true during the winter season.

Reliable Air Duct Cleaners in Richmond, VA

While you plan your holiday parties and Black Friday shopping lists, take some time to schedule an air duct cleaning. When you need a reliable air duct cleaning company in the Richmond and Chesterfield areas, contact Kohmar.

Our trained specialists have the knowledge and tools to get the job done right. Our top priority is the safety of our clients, which is why we’re dedicated to doing a thorough job cleaning your air ducts. We’re equally committed to customer service by keeping our clients informed during every step of the process.

Contact Kohmar Air Duct Cleaning to discuss how to prepare your home’s HVAC system for the cold months ahead.

Sources: https://www.dust-doctors.com/blog/entryid/38/heating-hazards-protecting-your-home-from-winter-fires-with-duct-cleaning
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm
http://cookscomfortsystems.com/article/4-reasons-to-get-duct-cleaning-before-winter
https://ductvacnw.com/reasons-clean-your-ducts-before-winter/
https://www.dust-doctors.com/blog/entryid/21/should-you-get-your-air-ducts-cleaned-this-winter
https://www.resheatandair.com/blog/indoor-air-quality-service/why-you-should-schedule-air-duct-cleaning-before-winter/