The Value of Keeping Ducts Clean

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Value-of-Keeping-Ducts-Clean

Several years ago, we wrote about a topic that affects virtually every homeowner – dryer vents. Now, we want to revisit this idea to reiterate the value of keeping ducts clean. We also want to offer some safety tips along with signs that your ducts need attention. Keep reading to learn more.

Stay Safe from Harm

You likely clean the clothes dryer lint catch before or after drying a load of clothes. That trap can sometimes miss a piece of lint here or there, and those pieces may end up in the dryer vent hose. If too many of those small pieces collect over time, the vent can become clogged, forcing potentially dangerous fumes back into your home.

Additionally, dryer lint is flammable. And clothes dryers use warm – often hot – air to dry a load of laundry. In some instances, flammable lint mixed with hot air can be an unsafe combination. Each year, clothes dryer fires cause death, injury, and millions of dollars in property loss or damage. Failure to keep up with dryer maintenance is the leading cause of clothes dryer fires. As such, keeping the vent clear of obstruction dramatically helps keep you and your family safe.

Better For Your Appliances

A clogged dryer vent slows the drying process and makes the unit work harder and longer to get clothes dry. This creates undue stress and added wear-and-tear on the dryer itself. Keeping the vent clean and clear helps improve function and allows the dryer to run more efficiently. You’ll save money on energy bills and help cut down on repairs.

Watch for These Signs

There are some signs to watch for that could indicate it’s time to clean the dryer vent – or call on a team of professionals to get the job done. Pay attention to things like:

  • Longer dry times. If the damp, hot air can’t escape due to a clogged vent, you’ll notice it takes longer to dry your clothes. This creates unnecessary wear on the dryer as well as the laundry.
  • Something smells like it’s burning. Lint that has collected in the vent can start a dryer fire. If you smell something burning, turn off the unit and have a trusted service technician inspect the vent and the dryer.
  • Materials are hot. Clothes that come fresh from the dryer should be warm and dry – but not hot. Hot materials mean the dryer isn’t venting properly. Have the dryer looked at and the vent cleaned to help prevent overheating or a fire.
  • The vent cover stays closed. When the dryer is running, the exterior vent cover should open to allow hot air to escape. If the vent cover stays closed, the hose may be clogged with dryer lint.

Keep Ducts Clean with WestAIR

When it comes to safety, the value of keeping ducts clean cannot be overstated. These are simple ways to be on alert to help protect your home, your family, and your appliances. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with the professionals at WestAIR Heating & Cooling. Our duct cleaning service provides removal of dirt and other debris from your home’s ductwork, delivering peace of mind and cleaner air. Contact us today to learn more.

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Air Duct Cleaning & Maintenance

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Air Duct Cleaning & Maintenance by WestAir Heating & Cooling

Clean air ducts help keep dirt, dust mites, and mold out of the air of your home. Turning on a contaminated or clogged heating and cooling system can cycle these potentially harmful particles into the air you breathe and decrease indoor air quality. How do you know if you need an air duct cleaning service?

Check with your local HVAC technician to find any visible mold or excessive dust and debris inside your ducts, or if there has been a recent infestation of rodents or insects.

Keep your ducts clean by practicing proper home habits.

• Change your furnace and air conditioner filters regularly.
• Check to make sure you use the right air filters that fit your equipment.
• Make sure your HVAC equipment is efficient and regularly maintained.
• Dust and vacuum your home regularly. Vacuuming can increase the amount of dust in the air, so it’s worth upgrading to a high efficiency (HEPA) vacuum cleaner.
• Seal off supply and return registers during home renovation or construction.
• Maintain your humidifier to prevent mold inside the home.
• Repair leaks and water damage promptly.
• Make sure ducts are sealed properly and insulated in attics and crawl spaces.
• Invest in an Aprilaire Air Cleaner to reduce the amount of dust circulating around your home. Air cleaners trap 98 percent of visible dust and irritating particles, and 97 percent of airborne pollen. Attached to your furnace, the filters remove matter through the blower fan and return clean air back into the rooms of your home.

Air duct cleaning is not an annual service, but might be needed after some time, especially if you have pets, smoke, sensitive allergies, respiratory needs, or live in a humid environment.

At WestAir Heating & Cooling, we use a specialized Rotobrush cleaning system to clean air duct systems. This “source removal” cleaning method utilizes powerful vacuums and brushes to dislodge any debris that stick to the surface.

If you think you might need your ducts cleaned or worry about your indoor air quality, contact us for more information.

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Six Tips to Reduce Your Heating Bill

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Lower Your Heating Bill

Winter has arrived in full force, but that doesn’t mean you have to blast money from your wallet as you turn up the heat. WestAIR Heating and Cooling offers six easy ways to reduce your heating bill this winter and for years to come.

1. Control your Thermostat

Using a thermostat is an easy way to control your home temperature and maximize your savings. While you are away, set it 10 degrees cooler than your regular setting. So, if you feel comfortable at 69 degrees, you would program it to be 59 degrees while you’re at work or on vacation. Some newer thermostats have capabilities to be controlled by a phone app or website!

2. Insulate Windows and Walls

You can lose half of your heat if your home is not well insulated! Is your attic or basement insulated? If not, fill all the gaps with fiberglass insulation. If your windows are drafty, fill in the leaky spaces with caulk.

3. Look at those Ducts

Heat can leak right through your air ducts too. You can patch them with aluminum foil tape (not duct tape) and mastic sealant. First, clean the surface near any leak you find in your air ducts. The aluminum foil tape works best on flat surfaces. Mastic is for curved surfaces that would be difficult to tape. Use both for leaks bigger than a quarter-inch for extra protection!

4. Keep Up on Filters

Did you know that you should change your furnace filter each month? Not only will it let warm air flow freely, but it will reduce the need for costly repairs. Inexpensive fiber filters work fine, but standard pleated filters are better for airborne dust.

5. Take Care of your Furnace

Many people forget this step, but tune-ups are necessary for furnaces just like an oil change is for your car. Nobody wants to wake up shivering in the middle of the night because the furnace isn’t working properly. Although we do offer same-day and emergency service in case this happens, avoid breakdowns with a scheduled maintenance check. Take advantage of our current promotion and save $10 on any repair or service call.

6. Invest!

Sometimes you must kick your old furnace to the curb. If your repair costs more than 50 percent of the cost of a new furnace, or your monthly heating bills have significantly increased, you should most likely consider a replacement. Upfront costs may seem daunting, but today’s furnaces are more energy efficient and will save money in the long run. If you think it’s time to replace that old furnace of yours, we stand by Rheem heaters for quality. Rheem is a leading provider of top-quality, innovative heating products that offer the latest technology, lasting performance, great warranties, and excellent service and support. As a proud Rheem Pro Partner, our highly trained, licensed technicians can recommend a Rheem furnace or other heating product to best meet your needs.

Contact us to learn more about a furnace tune-up or questions!

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