A clogged air duct might seem like a small problem, but it can damage your HVAC system over time. That’s why homeowners should regularly check their air vents for blockages.
A clogged air duct stops the system from reaching the temperature you set on your thermostat, forcing it to work harder to cool the room and increasing your energy bill.
That’s why we are providing expert tips to deal with clogged air ducts in your AC. It is also recommended that you always seek professional help for these types of cleaning.
What Air Ducts Do
Before discussing cleaning air ducts, let’s first understand how they work. Ducts are a system of pipes in your house that move air from your HVAC system to different rooms. Sometimes, ducts also bring in fresh air from outside or send indoor air outside as exhaust.
Ducts are usually round but can bend to fit into different spaces. They’re made from fibreglass, flexible plastic, or metal and help keep indoor air quality.
These ducts run through your walls and ceilings, so you often only see them if they are in places like crawl spaces, attics, basements, or leading outside. In older homes, metal ducts may have asbestos.
There are two types of ducts: return ducts and supply ducts. Return ducts pull air from the room and send it back to the HVAC system, while supply ducts bring conditioned air into the room.
You need to find the supply duct to start cleaning your air ducts. If it sticks, it’s a return duct. If it doesn’t stick or gets blown off, it’s a supply duct.
How Do Air Ducts Get Clogged?
Air ducts can get clogged in several ways, and knowing the cause can make it easier to fix. The simplest problem is an external blockage.
Furniture, wall decorations, curtains, or holiday items placed before a vent can block airflow. Always leave at least a foot of space around your air vent.
Sometimes, the issue isn’t a clog but just that the zone dampers, small levers inside the vent that control airflow, are closed. You can adjust them to ensure they’re not stopping airflow.
Another common cause is a dirty air filter. If you have not changed the filter in a while, it might collect dirt that can lead to a clog. Changing the filter won’t completely fix the clog, but it’s a good step toward helping your HVAC system work better.
If your vents are on the floor or low on the wall, the clog might be caused by small items like children’s toys, pet toys, coins, or other debris that accidentally fall inside.
More complex causes include leaks in the ductwork, which can let debris inside and cause a clog.
This can happen more often in homes with rodent problems, as pests can chew through the ducts. In older HVAC systems, loose insulation or pieces of filters can also break off and block the ducts.
Expert Tips to Deal With Clogged Air Ducts in Your AC
Inspect Your Air Filter
Look at your air filter. A dirty filter can make your air ducts work less efficiently. Contact an HVAC expert like Cyanergy to get proper advice.
Large buildings should change their air filters every month or two to prevent dirty air from circulating.
Check for Damaged Ducts
Examine Your HVAC System’s Zone Dampers
Call an HVAC Expert
If you’ve checked everything and the issue persists, it’s time to call a professional. HVAC specialists can inspect your ducts, filters, vents, and dampers, clear blockages, and even tune-up your system for better performance.
When is Air Duct Cleaning Necessary?
Does air duct cleaning help? Over time, dirt, dust, pet hair, and even pests can build up in your home’s ductwork, lowering indoor air quality.
Up to 40 pounds of dust can accumulate each year in an average six-room home from daily activities, making a full duct cleaning important.
The main issue isn’t just dust in the air but how too much debris in the ducts can block airflow and make your HVAC system work harder. Dirty air ducts reduce efficiency, wasting energy and increasing costs.
While regular air duct cleaning may seem like a good idea, it’s not always necessary, despite what some companies might claim.
You don’t need to clean your air ducts if:
- Your ductwork is correctly sealed throughout the system.
- You regularly change your air filters as recommended.
- You clean your floor vents with a vacuum every six months to prevent dust build-up.
However, air duct cleaning is needed in these situations:
- The ductwork’s sealants or tape are damaged or not sealed properly
- You’ve done home renovations that produced a lot of dust or required changes to the ductwork.
- There’s evidence of pests or animal nests inside the ducts.
- Mould is growing in the ducts
- The ductwork is over seven years old, and an energy audit reveals leaks.
Routine maintenance is key to keeping ducts clean, but full cleanings should only be done when necessary.
Equipment Needed to Clean Ducts Yourself
Many wonder if they should clean their air ducts or hire a professional.
If you’re thinking of doing it yourself to save on costs, here’s the equipment you’ll need for proper cleaning:
- A high-powered vacuum is needed
- Heavy-duty gloves, a gas mask, or goggles.
- A new furnace filter.
- A stiff brush to scrub away debris.
- A microfiber cloth for wiping down surfaces.
- A power drill or screwdriver to remove vent covers.
- Paper towels.
How to Clean Air Ducts Yourself: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simple process you can follow if you decide to clean the air ducts yourself:
- Remove the screws from air duct covers, vents, and return air grills.
- Cover the supply vents with paper towels. This will stop dust from blowing out while you clean. You can place a paper towel between the vent cover and the wall or floor without re-screwing the covers.
- Set your thermostat to “fan on” mode and ensure heating and cooling are turned off. If your thermostat does not have a fan-only setting, run the heat instead.
- Loosen dust build-up in the ducts using a brush.
- Vacuum inside the duct by inserting the vacuum hose as far as possible. The fan will push dust toward the vacuum.
- Clean the AC vents by brushing off any dust stuck to the registers.
- Wipe the inside of the duct using a microfiber cloth. Reach in as far as possible and rinse the fabric as needed.
- Remove the paper towels covering the supply vents.
- Clean the return registers with your brush.
- Turn off the fan and power off the furnace from the service switch or breaker panel.
- Use a vacuum to remove dust inside the furnace, clean the blower compartment and return the air boot.
- Replace the furnace filter to ensure you get the full benefit of clean ducts. A dirty filter will block airflow and reintroduce dust.
This process helps keep your HVAC system running smoothly and your air cleaner.
Why Should You Clean Clogged Air Ducts?
Better Indoor Air Quality
Improved Energy Efficiency
Fewer Allergens and Irritants
Longer HVAC System Lifespan
Odour Removal
Clogged ducts can cause mould and mildew to grow, leading to unpleasant smells. Over time, this can damage your home and increase the risk of health issues. Cleaning your ducts eliminates these odours, leaving your home smelling fresher.
For more information, contact Cyanergy or talk to an expert directly!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Expert Tips To Deal With Clogged Air Ducts in Your AC appeared first on Cyanergy.
https://cyanergy.com.au/blog/expert-tips-to-deal-with-clogged-air-ducts-in-your-ac/
ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance
Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:
“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.
“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.
“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”
###
ABOUT ACORE
For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.
Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org
The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.
https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/
Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.
Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!
These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.
Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.
But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?
Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.
In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.
In this blog post:
Why You Need Battery Storage Now?
According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.
Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.
Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.
Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.
Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.
Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.
What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?
Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.
Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.
But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!
The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.
A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.
Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:
- Energy Independence
- Maximized Savings
- Better Return on Investment ROI
- Lower Carbon Footprint
- Peace of Mind
Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.
Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.
Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?
Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.
Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.
These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.
Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.
Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.
What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?
While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.
Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.
Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.
With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.
So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:
-
Your Daily Energy Usage
Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.
-
Your Solar System Output
How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.
-
Your Nighttime Power Usage
A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?
Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.
However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.
Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.
Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.
These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.
Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance
It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.
So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.
Benefits of Solar Battery Storage
- Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.
- You don’t have to care about power outages anymore
- In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source
- Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak
- During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.
- Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.
Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:
- Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.
- Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.
Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage
- One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.
- Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.
- Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.
- While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.
- Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.
Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!
You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.
First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.
A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.
Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.
Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.
Takeaway Thoughts
Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.
With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.
By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.
It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.
Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?
Contact us today for any of your solar needs. We’d be happy to assist!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.
I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.
From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Spanish-language misinformation on renewable energy spreads online, report shows
-
Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Greenhouse Gases1 year ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change1 year ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Carbon Footprint1 year agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Why airlines are perfect targets for anti-greenwashing legal action
-
Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Some firms unaware of England’s new single-use plastic ban