Category: Ductwork

Why Duct Cleaning Matters for Your HVAC System’s Efficiency

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Your HVAC system plays a critical role in keeping your home or business comfortable year-round. Whether it’s the sweltering heat of summer or the freezing chill of winter, the performance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is essential to maintaining indoor comfort. But one of the most overlooked aspects of HVAC performance is the condition of your ductwork. Dirty or clogged air ducts can significantly affect your HVAC system’s efficiency, indoor air quality, and even your monthly utility bills. In places like St. Louis, where seasonal changes can be dramatic, paying attention to duct cleaning becomes even more important. Let’s explore how clean air ducts contribute to system performance and what makes duct cleaning a key part of HVAC maintenance.

The Hidden Role of Ductwork in HVAC Efficiency

When most people think about improving HVAC efficiency, they often focus on upgrading their furnace or air conditioning unit. While newer, energy-efficient models do help, they’re only one piece of the puzzle. The ductwork — the network of passages that distributes conditioned air throughout your building — is equally important. If these ducts are filled with dust, debris, mold, or even pests, they can obstruct airflow and cause your system to work much harder than necessary.

Every time your HVAC system runs, it pulls air through filters, conditions it, and pushes it through the ducts. Over time, contaminants accumulate in the ductwork, forming layers that restrict airflow and reduce system performance. This inefficiency forces the system to consume more energy to maintain desired indoor temperatures, ultimately shortening its lifespan. In cities like St. Louis, where heating and cooling demands fluctuate with the seasons, compromised ductwork can lead to significant energy loss and system wear.

In contrast, clean air ducts allow air to flow freely, reducing strain on your HVAC unit. The system can reach the desired temperature faster and maintain it longer, using less energy. This translates into better performance, lower energy bills, and a more comfortable indoor environment.

Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality: A Direct Connection

The air you breathe indoors is largely affected by what’s inside your ducts. Dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, bacteria, and even rodent droppings can accumulate in ductwork and recirculate through your living or working space every time the HVAC system operates. Poor indoor air quality isn’t just uncomfortable — it can also lead to serious health issues, especially for individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions.

St. Louis residents are no strangers to allergens, particularly during the spring and fall seasons. If your ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can become a reservoir for airborne irritants. This can result in allergy flare-ups, frequent respiratory infections, and a general decline in wellness for those occupying the building. Children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.

Professional duct cleaning removes these contaminants and helps ensure that the air circulating through your home or office is clean and safe. Cleaner air not only improves comfort but also contributes to overall productivity, especially in workplaces. Investing in regular duct maintenance can offer both health and financial benefits, making it a wise decision for any property owner in the St. Louis area.

Energy Savings Through Improved HVAC Efficiency

One of the most compelling reasons to invest in duct cleaning is its impact on energy efficiency. Dirty ductwork can decrease system efficiency by as much as 20%, according to industry estimates. When airflow is obstructed, your HVAC system must run longer and harder to deliver the same level of comfort, consuming more electricity or fuel in the process.

For homeowners in St. Louis, where extreme temperatures during summer and winter can lead to high utility bills, duct cleaning can offer substantial savings. Consider the cumulative cost of inefficiency: if your system is operating at reduced capacity for months or even years, you could be paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than necessary in energy bills.

By cleaning your air ducts, you help restore your system to peak operating performance. With less resistance in the airflow, your furnace and air conditioner can cycle less frequently and more efficiently. Not only does this lower your monthly utility costs, but it also reduces wear and tear on system components, which can delay the need for costly repairs or replacements.

In addition, duct cleaning can uncover other efficiency issues such as leaks, poor insulation, or disconnected sections of ductwork — all of which contribute to energy loss. A professional duct inspection as part of the cleaning process can identify these problems and allow for timely corrective actions that further improve HVAC efficiency.

Duct Cleaning Frequency: When and How Often?

Knowing when to clean your ducts is just as important as understanding why. While there is no universal rule for how frequently ducts should be cleaned, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends having them inspected every two to three years, with cleaning scheduled as needed. Several factors can influence how often duct cleaning is necessary, including the age of your HVAC system, the presence of pets, recent home renovations, and the local environment.

In regions like St. Louis, where weather extremes require HVAC systems to work year-round, more frequent duct cleaning might be needed. The high humidity levels common in the area can also promote mold growth inside ducts, which should be addressed promptly to maintain indoor air quality. Likewise, older homes with aging duct systems are more prone to dust buildup and should be inspected regularly.

Homeowners should watch for signs that suggest it’s time to clean their ducts. These include visible dust blowing from vents, persistent odors when the system is running, uneven heating or cooling, unexplained allergy symptoms, or a noticeable increase in utility bills. If you notice any of these issues, a professional duct cleaning service can assess the situation and restore your system’s cleanliness and performance.

Choosing the Right Professionals for Duct Cleaning in St. Louis

Not all duct cleaning services are created equal. Choosing a reputable, certified provider is essential to ensure the job is done thoroughly and safely. Look for technicians who are certified by NADCA, as this guarantees adherence to industry standards and best practices. A qualified professional will not only clean the ductwork but also inspect it for potential problems like mold, leaks, or poor insulation.

St. Louis is home to numerous HVAC and duct cleaning providers, so it’s important to do your homework. Read reviews, check for certifications, and ask for detailed quotes that outline the scope of work. Avoid providers who offer unusually low prices — this can often be a red flag for subpar work or upselling tactics.

Professional duct cleaning typically involves using specialized vacuums, brushes, and blowers to dislodge and remove contaminants from your ductwork. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums are commonly used to prevent particles from being released into the indoor environment during the cleaning process. Some companies also offer sanitizing treatments to eliminate mold or bacteria, though these should only be used when necessary and approved for HVAC systems.

When performed correctly, duct cleaning should be minimally disruptive and leave you with a noticeable improvement in air quality and HVAC performance. Consider scheduling this service during the off-season — spring or fall — when HVAC demand is lower and appointments are more readily available.

Conclusion

Duct cleaning is an essential, yet often overlooked, component of HVAC system maintenance. For residents and businesses in St. Louis, where temperature fluctuations demand consistent HVAC performance, keeping your ducts clean can lead to better air quality, enhanced comfort, and lower energy bills. Clean air ducts don’t just benefit your health — they also help improve HVAC efficiency and extend the life of your system. Whether you’re looking to reduce allergens, save on utility costs, or simply make your indoor environment more comfortable, regular duct cleaning is a smart, proactive step toward optimal home or office performance.

Need HVAC Services in St. Louis, MO?

Keep cool or stay warm with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. Since 1999, Ashley Brothers have been providing residential and commercial services to the St. Louis and Jefferson County area. We specialize in the installation of new equipment, heating and cooling repair, and furnace cleaning. Craftsmanship is important, equipment choice is too. We work with only top brands like Amana, Goodman, York, and McLain. It is understandable that replacing or upgrading your equipment can be daunting. Ask us about financing. We repair all heating and cooling equipment brands. Heating and cooling repairs can happen at random, take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service. Call us today about your concerns.

Exposed Ductwork Ideas You Might Need in Your Home

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Ductwork is something that every building with an HVAC unit has. That being said, for many, hiding the ductwork is something that they try very hard to do. Though this does give a space a more finished look, it is not always necessary. Exposed ductwork can be fun and can help make your space something truly special.

 

Is Exposed Ductwork Trending?

For those looking to make a splash and make their ductwork a feature of their home or business, exposed ductwork is in this year. Exposed ductwork is fun, it can look industrial and different, and you can even make it a feature of your home or business. Exposed ductwork is not just for fun; it can also help to make your ceilings higher and help to open up a space. One great idea is to paint the ductwork the same color as your ceiling; this will help camouflage it a bit but still make it a feature.

You can also use wood posts and beams to help frame the ductwork and help make it a feature. Exposed beams are, again, going to help with the industrial look of the ceiling and can make it even more of a feature. You do not have to make the sole focus the ductwork. You can make it a part of the design overall so that it does not stick out but is still visible and fun to look at. You can also choose a contrasting color for your ceiling and walls to help ensure that your silver ducts will really pop against the ceiling and the walls.

Exposed Ductwork Ideas

The way that the ductwork can be shown is really going to depend on the way that the home is built and on the way that your ductwork is designed as well. When making any design decisions based on your ductwork, you want to ensure that the ductwork is going to be stable, that none of the design options that you are using are going to damage or affect the ability of the ductwork to do its job, and that the integrity of the ducts is kept.

The best way to do this is to hire a professional to help ensure that any design idea you may have will not damage your ducts. Exposed ductwork can be very fun; you just have to know how to properly follow this trend.

Top 9 Benefits of Having Your Ducts Cleaned Regularly

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Believe it or not, there’s more in your house ductwork than cold and hot air. There’s also debris like pollen, dander, and dust, all of which stem from daily chores like cleaning and cooking. Dirty air ducts can pose health risks to the occupants of your property. From acute illnesses like asthma and allergies to chronic diseases like lung cancer, dirty ducts have many potentially harmful effects. So, do air ducts need to be cleaned? Here are nine reasons why you should clean your air ducts.

1. Proper Oxygenation

An efficient HVAC system filters out harmful particulates in your home or building. Fresh air can improve your body’s oxygenation leading to optimal functioning of your major organs and preventing respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.  

2. Minimized Sinus, Skin, or Eye Irritants

Spores, dust, fungus, and pollens that might irritate can accumulate in your HVAC system over time. If you suffer from constant inflammation, you might have to contact a qualified HVAC technician to inspect your air ducts.   

3. Maintains a Cleaner Environment  

Dust particles accumulate in the ductwork, especially when you turn off your HVAC system. Once you turn on the system, the particles recirculate in the house and settle on your floor furniture, bedding, etc. You’ll need to dust the surfaces to keep your home hygienic and clean. Check the ducts if you suspect your house is becoming unusually dusty. Cleaning the ductwork will help prevent pollutants from entering your house and keep your home clean and hygienic. 

4. Odor Reduction

Dirty air ducts can collect odorous molecules causing smelly air to circulate throughout your house or building. Cleaning the ducts can help clear away any odorous molecules resulting in a fresh-smelling interior space. 

5. Fewer HVAC Repairs  

Routine cleanups and inspections can help you identify any developing or potential issues that might worsen. This allows you to fix the problem promptly, ensuring it doesn’t deteriorate. Therefore, it’s doubtful that you might experience major HVAC-related repairs if you regularly clean your air ducts. 

6. Energy Savings

Cleaned air ducts help reduce blockages in the ducts. This leads to less obstructed airflow, which means that your HVAC unit won’t have to put extra effort into heating or cooling your home, as it would’ve been the case with dirty air ducts. Therefore, your unit will consume less power when functioning on clean ducts. Lower power consumption results to lower electricity bills. 

7. Thermoregulation

Poor air control can cause illnesses like hyperthermia and hypothermia. All these conditions can trigger your equilibrium and even shut down your vital body organs. Clean your air ducts to ensure that your HVAC unit functions properly for optimal air control. 

8. Mildew and Mold Prevention

Moisture from your HVAC unit can collect inside the air ducts and create an ideal condition for fostering harmful microorganisms like mold and mildew. If left unsolved, these fungi might make a home inside your ducts and even spread into other parts of your house through the circulating air. A professional duct cleanup will ensure that your ducts don’t become a breeding ground for mildew and mold. 

9. Fight Infestation  

The warm vents of your house might seem like a cozy, comfy gateway for pests looking for a warm, quiet, and dark place to settle down. Rodents and insects are unsanitary fit for you and your family. They might spread diseases, and their droppings can cause allergies or respiratory problems. Keeping your ductwork clean will discourage pests from residing in your house and even eliminate pests that have already made themselves comfortable.  

So, how often should I have my air ducts cleaned? We recommend cleaning your ducts every 3 to 5 years. However, the frequency can change based on factors like mold and a noticeable amount of dust in your ducts. 

Don’t DIY; Seek Professional Air Duct Cleaning Services

Air ducts are an integral part of any HVAC unit. Therefore, you must ensure that they’re cleaned and maintained regularly. Trust Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling to provide the finest air duct cleaning services. Our experts have years of experience serving this industry, so we are the best choice for air duct cleaning. Get in touch with us today to help restore your air quality!

 

 

 

What to Do if You Suspect a Dead Rodent in Your Ducts

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“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” If the air coming out of the HVAC system in your home has you quoting Shakespeare when you turn on the heater, it might mean there is a dead rodent in your air ducts. But what can you do if your air ducts smell?

If you detect a foul smell coming from your air ducts, it should be dealt with immediately. If the smell is rotten (like the nasty whiff of funk from removing the lid on a container of forgotten leftovers), there’s a good chance that a rodent has died in your air ducts.

This is a situation that really ought to be left to a professional heating and cooling company, but it is possible to handle it yourself. Here are some tips on rodent removal from air ducts.

Find the source

The first thing you need to do is track down where the smell is coming from. While it may be lingering all throughout the house, there is likely an area where it is more pungent than others. If you have narrowed down the area from where you believe the smell is originating, you will need to remove the vent and get a flashlight to find the corpse.

This can be trickier than it may seem. The animal may have been very small and may have died in a corner or other area that you can’t see or reach. It may have also chewed or partially burrowed into the insulation or surrounding area.

Remove the animal

If you can manage to find the rodent, the next step is to remove it. You should have rubber gloves, a trash bag, disinfectant spray and paper towels at the ready. You may also need other tools to grab the rodent if it’s further down the air duct than your arm can reach. If you are able to remove the animal, be sure to thoroughly disinfect the area and any surfaces that were touched by the carcass.

Stop it from happening again

The final step in rodent removal from air ducts is to identify how the rodent got trapped in the air duct in the first place—and then seal it up. Since you definitely never want to have to go through an ordeal like this again, you want to make sure you find out how it happened and make the necessary adjustments to make sure it doesn’t ever happen again.

This is one step that really should be performed by a professional who knows air ducts and understands common ways rodents may get trapped in them. Even if you are able to perform the rodent removal yourself, you may want to get your air ducts professionally cleaned to make sure the smell and bacteria is out of your home for good.

Even while it may be possible to take care of on your own, if your air ducts smell, it might be best to let a professional handle it from the get-go. For experienced, prompt and efficient air duct service, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.

Is It Time for New Ductwork?

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The expected lifespan of your ductwork is around 10 to 15 years. Many homeowners replace it when they upgrade their HVAC, but most of the time, this essential part of your cooling and heating system is left to linger. It is usually a matter of recognizing the several signs it is time to replace your ductwork in St. Louis, MO. Here are six things to watch for when you do not remember the last time your home had new ductwork installed:

Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling offers high-efficiency heating and cooling in St. Louis, MO. If you notice several of these signs it’s time to replace your ductwork, give us a call and schedule an appointment.