The winters in my local area are extremely cold and snowy.
They tend to last for anywhere from six to eight months, creating a big workload for the furnace.
While we only get summer-like weather for approximately three months, the heat and humidity can be brutal. It seems like the day after I shut down the furnace, it’s necessary to start up the air conditioner. However, the heating and cooling equipment share demands. The ductwork operates just about non stop. The system of pipes is responsible for delivering and removing air from the various rooms of the house. Any buildup of contaminants inside the duct system restricts airflow and forces the furnace and air conditioner to run longer and work harder. This diminishes efficiency, increases utility bills and adds to wear and tear on all components. Because the ducts are hidden behind walls and ceilings, they are not easy to access. Service requires specialized equipment. After reading an article on the importance and impact of the duct system, I decided to hire an HVAC contractor to inspect, test and potentially clean the ventilation system. The technician found an alarming amount of pollutants concealed inside the pipes. There was dust, pollen, lint, dander, webs, insects. mold and even a dead rodent. Every time the furnace or air conditioner was operating, there was the potential for these harmful toxins to become airborne and get spread throughout the house. The air my family breathes was most likely a health risk. The cleaning process was completed in a couple of hours by way of a machine that resembled an oversized vacuum cleaner. The technician used a long hose with a brush attachment to dislodge stubborn debris and effectively remove it.