No matter whether you have an HVAC system, an air conditioning system, or a furnace, your house likely relies on ducts. So when problems arise, this can lead to some serious hassle.
Issues with your ductwork can lead to uneven heating, infestations, unusual noises, and even a higher electric bill.
Here are some of the biggest signs you need duct repair and what you can do for your system to fix these.
One common sign of air leaks is a difference in temperatures between rooms.
When there's an air duct leak, heated or cooled air is diverted away from its intended course and usually lost. Consequently, rooms won't receive the same air supply, leading to uneven heating or cooling.
The cause for inconsistent temperatures can be difficult to pin down without checking the duct system. It could be debris blocking the flow, or the problem may lie in the ductwork itself.
Before rushing to any conclusions, you should make sure the problem isn't just an obstructed vent. If you have air vents that are blocked or simply just unopened, this can also lead to the same problem.
Higher Utility Bills
Here's a topic that's a potential nightmare to any homeowner: increased energy bills.
No matter what kind of device you're working with - whether it's an HVAC system, an air conditioning system, or a furnace - your system is built to arrive at and maintain a desired temperature throughout your home.
So when your system's heating or cooling is interrupted, it doesn't mean less warm or cold air. Instead, it works harder to reach the temperature it's meant to be at.
The harder your system works, the more energy it consumes. And the less energy efficient your system is the higher your energy bill.
Dust On The Vents
Finding a significant amount of dust on your air vents indicates something is going wrong further down the line.
When your HVAC system sucks in air to treat it, it also sucks in unwanted substances like dirt and dust. To stop these substances from getting released back into your indoor air and your system, they are usually caught by the air filter.
While air filters normally are capable of doing the job on their own, they can be let down by damaged air ducts. Dust and dirt can enter the ductwork through duct leaks and be released into your system and your air.
Breathing in contaminated air can seriously affect your health, especially if you already have respiratory issues.
If you notice dust build-up on your vents, this is a clear sign that your filters aren't working and that you should promptly check your ducts.
Strange Noises
For some people, having leaky ducts can be incredibly jarring because it leads to some very grating sounds.
When air moves through leaks in ducts, it can cause several unusual sounds. If you've ever heard wind moving through sheet metal, you might know what to expect: banging, popping, or even crashing.
Noise can also come from parts not being fitted properly, such as the joints. Having an improperly-sized air duct system will undoubtedly lead to noise.
Mold
Poorly insulated ducts can provide organic matter a place to develop.
This is because of a well-known phenomenon called condensation. Condensation occurs when water vapor is cooled down to the point it becomes liquid, such as when your windows get fogged up in the winter.
Typically, there is a big temperature difference between the inside of your ductwork and the outside. If water vapor from the outside air gets into your ductwork via inadequate insulation, it can become condensation due to the temperature change.
This condensation gives mold to perfect place to grow. And as it can be quite dangerous to health, you need to address it as soon as possible.
Pests
Just as under-insulated ducts can give plant life a place to spread, ducts can also end up becoming a haven for pests and other contaminants.
Crevices and larger holes allow rodents and insects to get into your ductwork. Once they're settled in, they'll stay in their shelter for a very long time.
Signs of a pest infestation include foul odors, dead insects, and animal waste. If your problem is a pest, you'll need to get your ductwork replaced by an HVAC professional.
How Do I Perform Air Duct Repair?
Air duct repair is a complicated process that requires access to the right materials and a lot of experience working with air ducts.
As a result, newcomers are advised not to try to fix their duct repairs themselves.
However, you can still do some things as a homeowner to deal with duct problems that may even completely resolve them.
How You Can Do Air Duct Maintenance
Check Your Ducts
The best thing a homeowner can do is to try to find out where the problems lie.
Check as much of your ductwork as you can for holes or crevices. This will help you get an idea of how bad your problem is. Make sure to check everywhere, including the basement, the attic, and the crawl space.
Feel the air coming out of the ducts when your HVAC system is operating. Do you feel poor airflow or unbalanced airflow? Perhaps even no airflow at all? Is it warm air or conditioned air?
Also, make sure to evaluate where the ducts are positioned. They might be obstructed, leading to your ductwork problems.
Vacuum Your Air Ducts
Another way you can maintain your air ducts is by vacuuming them.
All you need is a vacuum and a face mask to avoid breathing in dirt and dust.
First, take the duct covers off, then carefully vacuum them with your vacuum's head brush attachment. Then, you can take the attachment off and vacuum it as far into the air ducts as possible.
Though this approach helps remove dust built up on your air ducts, it's not very thorough. A deeper cleaning will require professional assistance.
Professional Maintenance Services
Another way you can maintain your air ducts is by vacuuming them.
All you need is a vacuum and a face mask to avoid breathing in dirt and dust.
First, take the duct covers off, then carefully vacuum them with your vacuum's head brush attachment. Then, you can take the attachment off and vacuum it as far into the air ducts as possible.
Though this approach helps remove dust built up on your air ducts, it's not very thorough. A deeper cleaning will require professional assistance.
Final Thoughts on Duct Repair
Ducts are a very important part of most heating and cooling systems. Dealing with whatever problems arise is a vital step to ensuring the health of your system and your home.
However, duct repair is a complex process that requires professional oversight.
Our HVAC professionals are the most trusted for duct sealing in Pensacola, Florida. Whether you're dealing with small holes or large-scale damage to your ductwork, we can help!
