High energy bills and comfort problems don’t necessarily mean your furnace or air conditioner are acting up. In fact, these problems are often the side effects of deficiencies in the ductwork system, such as leaks and poor design. Here are some signs that your ducts need attention and the steps to take to replace or repair them.
Telltale Signs of Duct Problems
You don’t have to live in an old home to have duct problems. Inferior sealing materials, such as cloth-backed “duct” tape, fail after just a few years, and incorrectly sized ducts cause problems with uneven temperatures and air pressure. If you detect any of the following telltale signs of duct problems, give your HVAC technician a call:
- Unusual noises: Ducts are generally made of thin sheet metal. When seams are loose, they rattle, clang and clamor.
- Dirt and debris: Dirty ducts obstruct airflow and lend to poor indoor air quality. If you see dirt and debris buildup on the air vents, your ducts should be inspected.
- Uneven temperatures: Ducts that were incorrectly sized cause uneven temperatures in your home and higher energy bills.
- Fallen or damaged ducts: Fallen, loose or damaged ducts should be repaired or replaced.
- HVAC installation: If you are installing a new heating or cooling system, your ductwork should be inspected for compatibility.
Duct Repair
Your HVAC technician uses high-tech equipment to locate duct leaks and unbalanced supply and return airflow. Duct leaks and damaged portions of ducts may typically be repaired with replacement parts, mastic and metal tape.
Duct Replacement
Poor ductwork shouldn’t always be repaired. It’s often better to replace the duct system – especially for incorrectly sized ducts or if you are installing a new furnace or A/C. Duct sizing is actually third in line when sizing an HVAC system.
Firstly, your HVAC tech takes a load calculation of your home. These numbers are used to correctly size your furnace and A/C system. Lastly, your ductwork is sized room by room to ensure even airflow throughout your home.
To schedule a ductwork evaluation for your Dayton area home, contact the experts at Ace Hardware Home Services today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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