Is Summer AC Efficiency Affected by Dirty Air Ducts?

You rely on your HVAC system to work well in the hottest months of the year. And though you might expect a heavy load on your AC unit from June to September, it might be even heavier than you think if ducts haven’t been cleaned recently. At Scrubber Ducts, we know how closely tied together HVAC efficiency and duct cleanliness are, and we’re here to share our knowledge.

Signs That Ducts Need A Cleaning

Whether you’re noticing very obvious signs or more subtle ones, it’s worth getting your HVAC system checked out before the summer heat is upon us. What are some things to look out for? If you’re seeing little wisps of dust escaping from ducts when the system kicks on, or a layer or dust or pet hair trapped in a vent covering, or it just seems like the AC unit has a harder time than normal keeping a consistent, comfortable temperature, know that these are obvious signs that dust and debris are building up in your ductwork. 

The air filter is a safety net that catches the majority of dust and contaminants, but it won’t get everything. Even faithful filter changing can’t totally eliminate dusty buildup in ducts. If you’re noticing any increase in dustiness in your home and nothing else has changed, that’s a clear indication that ductwork is likely holding and redistributing dust throughout your home.

Summer and Your HVAC System

Dust buildup can happen any time of year, but it’s especially problematic in the heat of summer when you need your HVAC system to operate consistently and reliably. As temperatures rise outside, you still want it to be an even 72 degrees indoors, but the higher the temperature differential is between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more energy the system uses and the harder it has to work. On especially hot days, when nighttime temperatures don’t drop all that low, your AC system is being asked to work overtime, and for prolonged stretches of time. Humidity is also typically higher in summer, and the outdoor compressor unit is often exposed to the elements, including the hot sun–your home’s HVAC system is really up against it in summer.

This increased workload on your HVAC system paired with dirty ducts can end up putting a strain on the mechanical and electrical elements housed within your AC unit. Why? Because when ducts are dirty and have a thick buildup of dust and grime, they restrict airflow and put more pressure on every part of your system as it struggles to keep temperatures consistently cool. This means that motors are working harder and are more prone to overheating, and electrical connections could give out. As a higher volume of air circulates, filters can quickly clog and cause even more physical stress. All in all, dirty ducts clog up the works and make your AC’s job harder, during what’s already the most taxing part of the year. But you can mitigate the strain.

Apart from practical steps like setting the thermostat a little warmer than ideal when not at home, checking for and sealing leaky ducts, and ensuring that your home is well insulated, annual maintenance and regular duct cleaning will keep your home’s HVAC system operating smoothly, year-round. 

How Air Duct Cleaning Helps

Scheduling an appointment for a professional HVAC duct inspection and cleaning service is one of the best things you can do for your system. Aside from the cooling demands in summer, all year long, household chemicals, outdoor pollutants, pet dander, cooking odors, and tobacco smoke are doing a number on your indoor air quality and the interior workings of your HVAC system.

Removing accumulated dust, debris, and other contaminants will free up airflow and allow your AC system to run more smoothly and efficiently during some of the most demanding months of the year. And more efficient operation means less energy draw, which could lead to a drop in utility bills. 

At the same time, you can experience more consistent and reliably comfortable temperatures instead of hotspots and stagnant air. All the while, you can rest easy, knowing that the various components that make your AC unit run are not being overly burdened by restricted airflow. Over time, that increased load can quickly lead to breakdown and equipment failure. But with clean ducts, you are removing a very big contributing factor to the problem and getting to the root of the problem, thereby extending the life of your HVAC system. There are plenty of other benefits to duct cleaning, like improved indoor air quality, reduced odors and allergens, and an overall cleaner living environment, to name a few. 

When Should You Schedule Duct Cleaning?

Truth be told, the best time to make an appointment for a thorough duct cleaning is as soon as you realize it’s been 3-5 years (or longer) since it was last done. If you’re the newest owner of your home, you can probably safely bet it’s been at least that long, and you might have inherited a better HVAC system than you first thought, it could just be in serious need of a cleanout. The ideal timing for duct cleaning is typically before high-demand seasons, like summer and winter, with pre-summer cleaning taking a greater priority. This is a high-demand time of year and you want your HVAC system to be at its best prior to the onslaught of hot, humid air and extra-strong sun rays.

But if the time has passed you by and a pre-summer cleaning isn’t possible, post-summer is the next best thing. Give your HVAC system a revamp and clear out the accumulated dust and debris that are probably trapped in the ductwork after the extra-heavy AC demands of summer. Spring and fall are the perfect seasons to schedule an air duct cleaning, just in time for the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. And once it’s done, you don’t have to worry about it for another few years.

Breathe Easy with Clean Ducts

Ensure that you and your family enjoy the best indoor air quality this summer and don’t have to experience a breakdown and a time without air conditioning. Get your ducts in a row and contact the team at Scrubber Ducts to schedule your HVAC duct inspection and cleaning service today!