Can Duct Cleaning Improve Your Life?

Consider how often you need to dust and clean your home, and consider that every time you HVAC heating and/or cooling system turns on, dust and debris are carried through the ductwork running beneath your floors and inside the walls of your home. How often have those areas been cleaned? The reality is that ductwork collects a lot of dust and debris as time passes. While a good quality air filter for your furnace can help to catch a lot of this dust and debris, it can’t stop all of it, and what isn’t caught can settle inside your ductwork causing problems over time.

Problems Caused By Filthy Ductwork

One of the most serious problems caused by dirty ducts is health problems such as asthma. For those with allergies, consider that pet dander, pollen, mold spores and many other irritants can become lodged within your ductwork temporarily, and then released over time as moving air shifts dust particles and debris. Potentially, ever time your furnace or air conditioning unit turns on you may be experiencing the release of allergens and irritants.

The minimal cost involved in cleaning your ductwork is worthwhile when you consider the health repercussions of ignoring dirty ducts, but there are some steps you can take to determine whether your ducts need cleaning or not.

Inspect Your Ducts

A professional opinion will give you the most accurate results, but a self-inspection of your ductwork is possible that will give you at least some indication about the condition of your ductwork.

One of the most basic inspections you can perform in your own home is to simply remove a floor register. In some cases, these are held in place with screws, but most will lift right out. To begin, reach into the duct and feel around for any dust and debris. If your hand comes back clean, that is a good sign. If you would like a more detailed view, you can use a small camera placed into the duct to take a photo of the condition of your ductwork.

Often there will be an accumulation of debris near the end of the duct closest to the register. In many cases, you can simply use a vacuum hose to clean that type of debris out. However, if your camera reveals a long and heavy buildup of dust and grime down the length of the duct, a more serious cleaning by professionals may be required.

Telltale signs that a professional duct cleaning is required will include a restricted airflow due to the buildup of debris, visible mold within a duct, animal remains or feces, or construction debris.

Clean ductwork will help your HVAC system work more efficiently and effectively. If you have concerns about the efficiency of A/C or heating system, call us a Mirtron A/C & Heating, LLC today for a consultation. Our professional staff can inspect your home and its ductwork to provide you with the help and advice you need to ensure a healthy HVAC system.

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Programmable Thermostats in Texas

If you prefer to set your thermostat differently when you are away from home, it can be a hassle to try and remember to change it every time you leave your house. A programmable thermostat can make life much easier for you because you can set a schedule for your furnace or air conditioning that will automatically control the temperature in your home. Not only are programmable thermostats convenient, they are also a great way to save on your utility bills because your heating and cooling system will only run when you want it to. Mirtron A/C & Heating, LLC cares about saving you money so here are some tips regarding the use of a programmable thermostat in your home.

Environmentally Friendly

The use of a programmable thermostat is an easy way for your home or office to “go green” for a couple of different reasons. The first reason is that you will simply use fewer resources if your system is running at a lower setting while you are gone. Setting the heat to a lower temperature in the winter and setting your air conditioning to a higher temperature in the summer while you are away will save you money on utilities and it will put less strain on your electrical provider.

Another environmentally friendly aspect of a programmable thermostat is that the temperature controls are electronic and do not use the older style mercury switch. Since mercury can be hazardous to your health, it is best to eliminate this type of thermostat.

Added Convenience

When you consider the list of things you have to remember to do in your household before you leave each day, it is no wonder that people forget to turn off their coffee pot, or feed their cat, or even close the garage door. Having to adjust the thermostat every time you leave can be a hassle as well and if you prefer to lower your heat setting or increase your air conditioning temperature before you leave in order to save money on utilities, then a programmable thermostat is something that you should consider.

Another added benefit is that a thermostat can bring your house to temperature before you arrive. There is no need to enter a frigid house after work during the winter months, or to suffer in heat and humidity during the summer while you wait for the air to adjust. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the device to begin warming or cooling well before you arrive.

Weekly Schedule

Most people work throughout the week but have free time during the weekends, but others have unusual schedules. In either case, you can purchase a programmable thermostat that will provide you with the flexibility of being able to adjust the temperature at different times during different days of the week to accommodate a schedule that suits you.

If you would like to learn more about heating and cooling services in Northwest Houston, Texas, including installation of programmable thermostats, be sure to contact Mirtron A/C & Heating, LLC today. We provide installation, maintenance, repairs and emergency services for all of your home’s HVAC needs. Our service area includes the entire Greater Houston area.

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