A layer of fibrous material collected within the exhaust duct situated above an oven on an insulation production line.

Ductwork Cleaning: How Clogged Ducts Increase Energy Bills

Don’t let rising energy costs catch you off guard – assessing your ductwork’s efficiency and the need for ductwork cleaning is a smart move.

Okay, so basically, we’re going to use a lot more electricity in the next few years, like a big jump of about 4% each year until 2027. This is happening because the economy is getting better, we need tons of power for things like artificial intelligence, and factories are doing more.

Some important things to keep in mind

And when it comes to how much energy costs, especially natural gas, here are some important things to keep in mind:

• When demand for electricity spikes—think scorching summers or the rise of power-hungry tech like AI—or if the supply of natural gas, oil, or coal tightens up, watch those prices climb. And don’t forget, growing economies in developing countries are also adding to the global electricity thirst.
• The price of the raw stuff: What it costs to get natural gas, oil, and coal out of the ground really affects how much we pay for electricity.
• Retirement of Power Plants: Closing coal power plants is tightening energy supply and pushing electricity prices higher, with the US on pace to retire half of them by 2026.
• Stuff happening around the world: wars, political snags, or trade beefs—can really shake up the energy scene and make prices jump around. Think about how supply chain hiccups, especially with the Russia-Ukraine war, have messed with the flow of oil and gas, pushing prices up.
• New rules and laws: Rising production and upkeep costs can force utility companies to hike rates. Plus, things like pollution taxes and the push for more renewable energy can also impact what you pay for power.

Wow! Stuff like that will take a hit on everyone’s wallet. Imagine the overall energy cost savings for everyone when your facility’s ductwork is clean! 

Do what we can to start trying to increase energy efficiency

So, it is important for all of us to do what we can in our homes, businesses, and industries, to conserve energy and increase our energy efficiency where we can. While your ductwork may not be the first place to start trying to increase energy efficiency, it is certainly a good place to check for efficiency.

The Importance of Clean Ductwork: Preventing Obstructions to Airflow

The build-up of dirt and debris in the ductwork prevent air from flowing freely throughout the ventilation system. That means it works harder and costs more to operate. Over time, the problem only gets worse.

Significant powder buildup obstructing an exhaust duct in insulation production.

See the problem firsthand: these images show a significant accumulation of debris – an inch or more – inside the industrial ductwork above this industrial oven. Such buildup necessitates thorough ductwork cleaning to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Not only does accumulation reduce air flow, which translates into higher energy costs, but it can cause the electric fan motor to fail because of excessive heat. If the motor fails, then someone has a major problem and a big expense on their hands.

The word “routine” is the big takeaway. 

Preventative maintenance should include checking the condition of the ductwork and exhaust systems. The EPA suggests that routine cleaning of ductwork is not always necessary, may not improve air quality (at least noticeable air quality), and may not reduce energy costs.

The word “routine” is the big takeaway. It’s the “kicker”!  If your industrial ductwork is heavily clogged with dust and debris, then cleaning ductwork is necessary. Clogged ductwork forces your system to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption which means higher utility bills.

Cleaning ductwork is not a one-time fix

The same ductwork after cleaning.

It’s important to know that industrial ductwork will require periodic cleaning; it’s not a permanent solution. For these essential recurring ductwork cleaning services, rely on our expertise as one of the few NADCA-certified industrial cleaning companies in the state. Our team includes a NADCA-certified ASCS and a Certified Ventilation Inspector, trained to EPA standards, ready to assess, clean ductwork, and restore your industrial HVAC and exhaust ventilation systems to NADCA standards with specialized equipment and techniques.

We may not be able to do much to prevent the costs of energy from rising, but we can do something to keep from using so much.

https://www.blackwells-inc.com/industrial-cleaning/ductwork-cleaning/