The Importance of Regular Air Duct Cleaning By Amy Nutt. At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

It is safe to say that nearly all of the time, most homeowners don’t give their air ducts a single thought. After all, the air ducts aren’t very visible in many homes (except for in some basements, perhaps). And, as long as the air ducts are doing their job reasonably well -- carrying cool air through the home in the summertime and distributing warm air during the winter--homeowners tend to ignore them.

This is not wise. Disregarding the air ducts in your home can lead to many problems --many of which could end up costing you a great deal of money in the long run. Regular cleaning of the air ducts can help homeowners to avoid several possible difficulties. Here are a number of reasons why it is important to have the air ducts in a home cleaned on a regular basis:

As air travels through the ducts, dirt and dust also travel through. This debris -- which can include pieces of cotton lint, paper fibers, and other materials--accumulates in the junctures of two pieces of ductwork. This is a fire hazard, and only becomes more dangerous when homeowners fail to get regular cleanings.

The debris that accumulates in the air ducts over time can cause some ducts to become clogged, either fully or partially. When ductwork is clogged, it is much less efficient -- and, therefore, uses a great deal more energy. This increases the homeowner’s expenses for energy and is also not good for the environment.

When ductwork becomes clogged, the machinery will have to work harder in order to force the air through. This means that it is much more likely that machinery parts may begin to fail. The homeowner may have to replace parts like igniters, thermostats, or even motors far earlier than he would have if he had gotten regular air duct cleanings.

Ducts that are in need of cleaning make the home less comfortable to live in. This is because these ducts tend to hold in dampness during humid weather and hold in heat during cold weather (the debris absorbs any dampness or any heat and holds it).

If exterior vent outlets are not cleaned on a regular basis, it is likely that they will become popular entryways for insects, rodents, and birds. These insects and animals may even climb into the ductwork and die there, adding to the clogged debris.

People who suffer from allergies may find that their symptoms become worse as time goes on if their home’s ductwork isn’t regularly cleaned. This is because common allergens like dust mites and pollen gather in the congested ducts and are trapped there -- and then they are spread throughout the home via the air conditioning and/or the heat. Certain types of bacteria can thrive in ductwork as well, causing people to have issues with respiratory problems.

With all of these potential difficulties, the importance of regular air duct cleaning should be quite evident. Regular cleaning of the ductwork will help make for a healthy home.

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