How can dirty air ducts cause damage to home HVAC systems?

In this blog entry, the professional Chicago air duct cleaning team here at EmDuct will detail how dirty air ducts can cause serious issues to your home’s HVAC system.

Why are clean air ducts so essential? Why is it important to regularly clean even recently installed air duct systems?

Clean Air Begins With Air Ducts

  • Your air duct system can filter air, but can’t remove what’s inside air ducts
  • Pollen, pet dander, dust, mold spores, and even remains of rodents or pests can remain inside your duct work, waiting to be circulated throughout your home
  • This causes unhealthy air, worsens allergies, and bad smells in your home

Blocked Air Ducts Drain Energy

  • Clogged or dirty air ducts cause:
    • Higher energy consumption levels
    • Increased wear on your HVAC system 
    • Reduced airflow in certain rooms
    • Longer heating / cooling times
    • Increased energy bills
    • Health issues
    • Increase of chances you will need to pay for a repair in the future

Dirty Air Ducts Mechanically Harm HVAC Systems

  • Thick layers of blockage in ductwork can cause ductwork to deteriorate
  • Collecting dust blocks air flow, makes air pressure inconsistent, and causes microbes like bacteria or mold to grow unchecked
  • Clogs can even cause leaks or mold inside ductwork

Contamination Worsens With Strong Air Duct Systems

  • If you have a new HVAC system, it likely has higher efficiency and air volume capabilities
  • But if your ducts are full of dust or sediment, the increased power will distribute these contaminants faster and further than other systems
  • This makes your home even dirtier, despite your top of the line HVAC system!

Skipping Air Duct Cleaning Can Cancel Warranties

  • Many HVAC manufacturers require proof of regular professional air duct cleaning in order to maintain the warranty agreement on your system and not cause it to become null and void

Professional Air Duct Cleaning Lowers Energy Bills

  • When your air duct system works harder due to clogs, it will increase energy expenditure, and thus increase your energy bills!
  • By professionally cleaning your ductwork you will drastically lower the costs of utility bills as compared to the monthly energy bills accumulated by clogged and dirty ductwork