Your home’s ductwork distributes conditioned air through your home from your HVAC equipment. Walls and ceilings conceal it, however, which is why when there’s not enough warm or cool air going around indoors, it’s fairly easy to pinpoint the issue on the unit itself. When your home doesn’t achieve a certain level of comfort, the best place to start looking for problems is in your air ducts.
Your home’s ductwork distributes conditioned air through your home from your HVAC equipment. Walls and ceilings conceal it, however, which is why when there’s not enough warm or cool air going around indoors, it’s fairly easy to pinpoint the issue on the unit itself. When your home doesn’t achieve a certain level of comfort, the best place to start looking for problems is in your air ducts.
In this blog, local HVAC repair contractor Albert Air Inc. takes a look at the most common ductwork problems and how they affect the long-term health and performance of your HVAC system.
If you think that your HVAC system is working inefficiently or you’re seeing a spike in your monthly energy bills, your home’s air ducts might be to blame. Here’s a look at some of the most common ductwork problems.
Poor ductwork design. Proper ductwork design helps ensure consistent levels of airflow essential to keeping your heating and cooling system operating efficiently. However, sometimes inexperienced contractors commit design mistakes that impede the unit’s function. For instance, failing to consider factors such as the type of HVAC system and the load requirements for each room may lead to undersized ducts. Long runs and sharp bends in the ductwork may also impede airflow, decreasing the amount of conditioned air that reaches specific rooms.
Improper insulation. A lack of ductwork insulation in your ductwork places additional wear and tear on your HVAC system, reducing its overall efficiency and shortening its lifespan. Insulation helps ensure consistent indoor comfort, which can cost you money that will reflect on your monthly energy bills.
Dirty ductwork. Over time, the middle and walls of air ducts become caked with debris and dirt. This can affect your HVAC system’s performance so that you may start noticing that the unit isn’t working as well as it once did. Moreover, dust and other airborne contaminants get circulated back through your ducts, impacting your home’s indoor air quality.
Leaky ductwork. Conditioned air leaking out of your ductwork through cracks, holes and loose seams can spell trouble for your HVAC system’s efficiency. Much like the problem of a lack of insulation, this results in the equipment having to work twice as hard to keep your home comfortable. The less efficiently it works, the more energy is wasted, costing you money. Also, insects and debris can find their way through the gaps and into the ducts, causing issues later on.
Deficient seals around registers and grills. A lack of seals around the registers at the duct’s connection can also allow conditioned air to escape through the ducts before it reaches any rooms. This issue also permits the entry of debris and insects into your ductwork, impacting your unit’s energy efficiency and lifespan.
How Ductwork Problems Impact HVAC Performance
Faulty ductwork is a systematic problem, and because it’s hidden from view by ceilings, walls and floors, it often requires the expertise of a heating and air conditioning service provider to pinpoint the problem. If you believe your HVAC system’s performance is affected by the duct problems mentioned above, it may be time to call your local HVAC technician.
Decreased energy efficiency. Ductwork problems can account for up to 30% of your home’s total air loss. Leaks due to wear and tear on the ducts prevent all of the conditioned air from getting distributed indoors. Because the HVAC unit has to work harder than usual, it uses too much energy, causing your utility bills to climb from month to month.
Stress on your HVAC system. Stress on your HVAC system occurs when internal components start to degrade due to years of constant use. Combine that with the problem of faulty ductwork and you can expect untimely and costly repairs due to overheating and sudden malfunctions. Scheduling yearly inspections and maintenance can help minimize wear and tear on your equipment.
Uneven air distribution. Have you ever experienced walking out of an air-conditioned room only to find that the next room is much warmer? In this case, cracks or holes in the air ducts could be causing a temperature imbalance in your home. Uneven air distribution due to faulty ductwork makes it more difficult to maintain a set temperature on the thermostat and achieve your desired indoor comfort levels.
Bad odors. Moisture can sometimes build up inside your ductwork. If not addressed right away, the insides of the air ducts will become a breeding ground for mold, mildew and other microorganisms. Dead insects and rodent droppings might also collect inside the ducts. Eventually, unpleasant smells may begin to fill the indoor air a few minutes after opening your HVAC unit.
Problems with air quality. Ductwork leakage can have a lasting effect on your home’s indoor air quality. Too much dirt, dust and airborne allergens can lower the quality of the air you breathe in your home, causing health issues like headaches, nasal congestion, asthma and other problems that target you and your family’s respiratory systems.
Preventing problems associated with faulty ductwork starts with a thorough inspection. The air ducts may have been neglected for a while and could be clogged with dirt, or might even be leaking conditioned air. Scheduling an appointment with a professional HVAC company in your area will ensure your ductwork is in good working condition. A good rule of thumb is to have your ducts checked once every one to three years.
Certified local HVAC technicians may also check if your ductwork is properly sized for your home and if it’s designed correctly. In some cases, they may recommend adding more supply or return vents so every room in your home receives consistent levels of warm or cool air from your HVAC system. Of course, they’ll keep an eye on whatever problems your system might have, performing repairs accordingly.
When searching for “heating and air conditioning repair near me” on the internet, keep Albert Air Inc. at the top of the list. We’re the leading residential and commercial HVAC contractor in the area. Learn more about our products and services by giving us a call at (714) 526-6368. You may also fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.