Updated January 22, 2024
As a general rule, saving money comes with some type of sacrifice. But there are some things you can do to save money on your heating bills without sacrificing too much, and an air duct cleaning in Moore, OK is one such way. Before you decide the only way to cut your heating bill is to live in a winter coat all winter, find out how duct cleaning can save you money.
Your HVAC and Energy Consumption
Out of all the appliances in your home, your HVAC is one of the most wasteful when it comes to energy use. After all, it has a big job. The system is responsible for heating and cooling your entire home, and that’s no minor feat. The amount of energy your system needs to push air through a complex duct system is surprising.
That said, the energy use of HVAC systems varies significantly. If you have an older system, it wasn’t designed to be energy efficient. A newer system relies on more modern methods to heat and cool your home, and that results in less energy use.
Buying a brand new HVAC system isn’t always possible, and replacing a new system with a slightly newer one won’t make much of a difference in terms of energy efficiency. However, there are some steps you can take to make your current system more efficient. Duct cleaning is one of the easiest ways to accomplish that.
What is Duct Cleaning?
To understand how duct cleaning can save you money on energy bills, you need to know what the process entails. Over time, dust, mold, and dander circulate through your HVAC ducts. They build up and slow the airflow. If you want to restore the full flow of air, you need a duct cleaning.
During the process, an experienced technician examines and cleans many parts of your HVAC system.
This includes all of the following:
- Grills
- Diffusers
- Heating coils
- Air ducts
- Air handling units
- Fan motor
Cleaning removes blockages in the system and also prevents the growth of mold. Typically, the technician uses tools to remove blockages and then vacuums up the debris. The most effective method is to use a special vacuum that creates negative pressure.
Because the cleaning involves so many parts of your system and specific tools, it’s not a project you can do on your own. Approximately every three to five years, you should have someone clean your Moore air conditioning and heating ducts.
Why It’s Necessary
As an HVAC owner, you probably already know the importance of changing out your filters. The filters catch debris as they get sucked into your system. While this prevents some particles from entering your ducts, it doesn’t keep them all out. The pores on the filter need to be large enough to allow air to flow freely, which leaves room for large particles to get through.
Furthermore, some HVAC systems weren’t installed properly. There may be small gaps in your system that allow particles to pass through your system. Even though your HVAC might work as it should, the shoddy installation makes you more likely to experience blockages from debris.
Whatever the cause of debris in your ducts might be, the effect is the same. An HVAC system is full of sensitive machinery, and the debris could cause the parts to work less efficiently than they should. In addition to making your energy bills high, the debris could cause your system to malfunction. You may extend the lifespan of your system and put off repairs by cleaning your ducts.
Saving Money on Your Energy Bills
In the winter, there’s only so much you can do to save money. That’s what makes cleaning your ducts such an essential part of preparing for the winter. On top of cleaning your air ducts every three to five years, you can do the following for extra savings on your heating bills:
Schedule Regular Maintenance
During regular maintenance, an expert can make sure your system is working as smoothly as possible. Try to schedule your maintenance at least once a year.
Install a New System
If you have an old and outdated heater, it’s time for a new one. Installing a new heater could give you significant energy savings in the winter, as well as the summer. The cost of a new HVAC system is high, but the energy savings are worth the cost. You also save money on repairs.
Use a Smart Thermostat
With a smart thermostat, you have an opportunity to ensure you only use your heat when needed. It doesn’t cost much to replace your old thermostat and is highly convenient to use.
Relying on a Professional
Even the most avid DIYers aren’t capable of cleaning their own ducts. For one, you don’t have the right tools or knowledge base. HVAC technicians spend years studying HVAC systems and practicing their skills. While you may be able to clear out some debris from your system, you won’t be able to get it all.
Secondly, you risk doing damage to your system. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to end up calling someone to repair their Moore air conditioning and heating system because they made a mistake on a DIY project. To save yourself the trouble and the expense, you should call in an expert.
Finally, you can get the most energy savings with a professional HVAC technician. When you call out a reputable professional, they can do more than just clean your ducts. They have a keen eye for detail and might notice leaks in your ducts or other issues that result in wasted energy.
Who to Call for your Air Duct Cleaning in Moore OK
Do you know who to call to get the most energy savings from your HVAC system? If you want to save money this winter, consider contacting us at Home Comfort Solutions. Our experts can handle your air duct cleaning in Moore, OK, and give you other tips that might cut down on your energy bill. To learn more, give us a call today.