How Often Should You Clean?
It’s generally recommended that you clean your furnace and ducts at least once a year, preferably in the fall, before using your heating system for the winter. If you have allergies or other respiratory problems, you may need to do it more often. Some experts say that you should do it every three months, but unless there is a problem, once a year should be sufficient.
Benefits of Regular Cleaning
1. Cleans the Air in Your Home
When your furnace and ducts are full of dust and other allergens, it can cause problems for people with allergies or asthma. By keeping them clean, you can help reduce the symptoms that these people experience. Regular cleaning also helps to remove mold and mildew from your ductwork. These can cause respiratory problems for everyone in your home, so it’s important to keep them under control.
2. Helps Your Furnace Run More Efficiently
When your furnace is clogged with dust and dirt, it has to work harder to heat your home. This not only wastes energy but can also lead to higher heating bills. Keeping your furnace and ducts clean can help it run more efficiently and save money on your energy bill.
3. Reduces the Risk of Fires
One of the most important reasons to keep your furnace and ducts clean is to reduce the risk of fires. Dust and debris can build up in your furnace and ductwork, creating a fire hazard. In addition, if you have a gas furnace, dirt and dust can also clog the pilot light, which can cause a fire. Regular cleaning will help to remove these hazards and keep your home safe.
4. You Can Diagnose Problems Early
You can catch problems early if your furnace and ducts are cleaned regularly. For example, if there is a problem with your ductwork, the technician will be able to see it and fix it before it becomes a bigger issue. This can save you money in the long run by preventing more serious problems from developing.
Tips for Cleaning Your Furnace and Ducts
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of regular cleaning let’s talk about how to do it properly. It would be best to keep a few things in mind when cleaning your furnace and ducts.
1. Don’t Try to Do it Yourself
Cleaning your furnace and ducts is not a job that you should try to do yourself. It’s important to have it done by a professional with the experience and equipment to do it properly. If you try to do it yourself, you could damage your furnace or ductwork, costing you a lot of money to repair. For example, if you live in Calgary, furnace and duct cleaning in Calgary should be able to help you clean professionally.
2. Schedule it for the Off-Season
The off-season is one of the best times to clean your furnace and ducts. This is because most furnaces are not in use during this time, so there is no need to worry about disrupting your heating system. In addition, many companies offer discounts for having your furnace and ducts cleaned during the off-season.
3. Choose a Reputable Company
When you’re looking for a company to clean your furnace and ducts, choose one that is reputable and has a good track record. You can ask your friends or family for recommendations or check online reviews. Make sure you choose a company that uses the proper equipment and techniques to avoid damaging your furnace or ductwork.
Conclusion
Cleaning your furnace and ducts should be as regular as changing your furnace filter every few months. Not only will it improve the air quality in your home and help everyone breathe better, but it also has numerous other benefits, like extending the life of your furnace and reducing energy bills. Also, choose a reputable company that uses the proper equipment and techniques. Your furnace and ducts will thank you.
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