Did you know heating and cooling constitutes nearly 50% of your monthly energy bill?
The average Oregon household spends approximately $94 per month on their electricity bill. Over time, these expenses pile up. But your HVAC system is the only thing that makes harsh winters and summers seem bearable.
The good news is that a clean HVAC system slices your bill significantly. Plus, it helps keep you and your family comfortable no matter the weather.
Here are 5 ways HVAC cleaning can help you cut costs.
1. It Helps Reduce Humidity
As an HVAC system wears down, it gradually gets worse at dehumidifying. This is why one of the first signs of a failing heating and cooling system is a humid home.
To combat humidity and prevent mold growth, many homeowners invest in dehumidifiers. However, most dehumidifiers cost anywhere from 6 cents to 10 cents to run per hour. This can lead to an extra $15-$50 per month in energy costs.
2. It Eliminates the Need for Fans
Dehumidifiers aren’t the only thing needed to compensate for a dirty HVAC unit. Weak heating and cooling units force some homeowners to invest in mini fans and heaters as well.
Mini fans and heaters can be a good temporary solution for your heating and cooling woes. However, running several of these appliances daily adds more to your energy costs. Plus, these smaller appliances don’t provide as much comfort as your larger unit.
3. It Removes Dirt From Coils
Clean condensing unit coils and evaporator coils are the keys to optimal heat transfer in your system. Dirty coils, on the other hand, are the bane of all HVAC units.
With normal use, coils in your unit accumulate dirt. When too much dirt piles up, it forces the entire unit to work harder and less efficiently. This is about the time when you’ll notice your energy bills soaring to record heights.
4. It Prevents Cracks in Ducts
If you don’t clean your air ducts, dust and grime can eventually cause cracks in them. These cracks impact the system’s performance by allowing air to leak out. As a result, the system doesn’t heat and cool your home as well as it should.
When this occurs, you’ll find that you’re forced to keep your system running nonstop. However, a system that doesn’t allow air to escape will save you money by getting more done in less time. But you can’t detect cracks without getting your ducts cleaned.
5. It Prolongs the Life of the Unit
Dirty coils and cracks in ducts both force your heating and cooling unit to work overtime. While this doesn’t seem like a big deal, this inefficiency causes extensive wear and tear.
A lifespan of a solid HVAC system is usually 15-20 years. In some cases, a unit may even last up to 30 years. However, you have to dole out money prematurely if your unit tanks due to a lack of maintenance.
HVAC Cleaning in Portland
A dirty heating and cooling system seems easy enough to ignore. However, by ignoring it, you end up paying more for a system that doesn’t even function optimally.
You should get an HVAC cleaning every 1-2 years. A regular cleaning ensures your system continues to work reliably throughout the seasons.
Older systems are not the only ones that struggle with dirt. In fact, newer systems actually benefit more from regular cleaning. Efficient heat transfer maximizes their capabilities.
If you’re in the Portland area and need professional HVAC cleaning, get a free estimate today!
