While I’ve always been conscientious about filter changes and seasonal maintenance for the furnace and air conditioner, I neglected the ductwork.
Because the system is mainly concealed inside the walls, ceilings and crawl space, I never gave it a thought.
Over the years, dust and other contaminants gradually built up inside of the pipes. This debris restricted airflow and made it more difficult for the heating and cooling system to match the thermostat setting. The equipment needed to run longer, consumed more energy and led to higher utility bills. Plus, whenever the furnace or air conditioner started up, those pollutants became airborne and spread throughout the house. I noticed an excess of particles floating around in the air and gathering on surfaces. I needed to dust and vacuum a lot more often. My family complained of headaches, congestion and sore throat. We all coughed and sneezed frequently. When I googled our complaints, I realized that the duct system required cleaning. I found a local HVAC contractor that specializes in the process. They brought in a machine that looked a lot like an industrial-sized vacuum cleaner with a very long hose and a brush attachment. While the service was fairly expensive, it was completed quickly and caused no mess or damage. It also provided a huge improvement. The furnace and air conditioner are now able to maintain an ideal and consistent indoor temperature. I’m spending a lot less on temperature control. I’m hopeful that the shortened run times will reduce wear and tear on the furnace and air conditioner and add up to greater reliability and longevity.