Furnaces and air conditioners in Frederick are by far the most common way to circulate air throughout homes, offices and institutions, heating in the winter months and cooling in the summer. Adjust the thermostat and controlled air is delivered almost immediately.
If a system is not regularly and properly maintained, however, that air can be dirty, dusty and full of odor, having passed through the heat exchanger, filters and ductwork that have accumulated a build-up of residue over time. IAQ or interior air quality quickly deteriorates.
The Basics
HVAC systems heat or cool air at a central point, often a furnace in the basement. The air passes through filters to sift out dust and unwanted particles, then travels through a system of ductwork to be delivered to the space. Return air ducts bring it back to the central point.
Along the way, the air accumulates the dust, germs and debris of the places it inhabits. Over time, the filters become clogged and eventually contribute more contamination to the processed air than they can clean. The enclosed and hard to reach ducts are also deposits of dust and decorated with spider webs that are quickly another form of filter that gives back more than it receives.
The Costs
Without routine maintenance, the system runs poorly and distributes more dirt into the living space than it is able to filter and clean, reducing the quality of life for the inhabitants. Poor air quality can lead to serious health issues as well as the loss of time.
Not only does the quality of the air decrease, the strain on the system lowers efficiency. Having to work harder consumes more energy, creating an immediate and noticeable rise in utility bills. The stress also reduces the lifetime of the system and requires more rapid replacements of parts or the entire furnace, a huge financial cost.
Regular Maintenance is the Easy Solution
To maintain high levels of quality air, it is essential to schedule regular replacements of filters and a clean-out of the ducts. The filters are accessible as part of the furnace and air conditioners and easily swapped out by the home owner once or (better) twice a year.
Ductwork, however, is enclosed and often out of site, just as easily out of mind and certainly harder to reach. Scheduling a duct-cleaning along with an inspection and routine maintenance of the entire system with a licensed Frederick HVAC company such as Larry & Sons ensures longevity and efficiency along with peace of mind.
