Money Matters Clean Ducts And Save (NAPSI)—If your home is like most, one of the biggest sources of energy consumption is the HVAC system, and that can be expensive. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Energy reports, families can cut their energy bill by as much as 20% to 30% simply by doing proper equipment maintenance. Air duct cleaning, for instance. Understanding HVAC As air recirculates through the system, contaminants build up in the ductwork and other components. Dirty HVAC systems work harder, use up to 30% more energy to heat or cool the home and are more likely to need replacing sooner. What To Do Replacing filters can help to maintain air ducts, however, filters can’t catch everything. Having your home’s air ducts properly cleaned helps your HVAC system run more efficiently by removing debris from mechanical components.  The most effective way to clean the HVAC system is through source removal. This requires a professional contractor to place the system under negative pressure using a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, brushes, air whips and compressed air nozzles remove any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces.  Contacting A Contractor To be sure you’re getting a qualified contractor so the job is done right, use one who is certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). That organization offers a handy Homeowner’s Guide to Air Duct Cleaning with helpful tips for finding reputable contractors and an online directory to find a nearby NADCA member with advanced training and certification in HVAC system cleaning, at www.NADCA.com.