As a homeowner, having an HVAC system in your home is important. It enables you to control the temperature inside your house from a central point while keeping everyone comfortable inside. But HVAC doesn’t only consist of heating and air conditioning units. It also comprises other parts, such as ductwork, which ensures that the unit sends cooled or heated air throughout the home. It takes the air from the rooms and delivers it to the HVAC system. Once the air gets to the desired temperature and is cleaned, it circulates the air in each room in a continuous cycle. But over time, they can become dirty and contain debris or pollutants. If that’s the case, contact the professionals for air duct cleaning in Sugar Land. In the meantime, read this guide if you’re unsure about your home’s ductwork condition status.
What is ductwork, and why should you be concerned about it?
To understand the ductwork and entire HVAC system, consider your body’s circulatory system. An HVAC system is like the circulatory system of your body, with the furnace as your heart and the thermostat acting as your brain. Likewise, the ductwork acts like your blood vessel as it contains return and supply air ducts. The return air ducts bring regular air extracted from your house that needs conditioning, and the supply ones send the conditioned air into your home.
As ductwork plays a vital role in the HVAC’s circulatory system, without it, it won’t keep the desired temperature inside your home. These tunnels also reduce cold and hot spots in your home by keeping the overall temperature consistent. Poor ductwork or clogged ones may cause your HVAC system to overwork and consume more power, resulting in costly repairs and increased energy bills.
The Dirty Dozen: What are the most common problems with ductwork?
As you might already know, air ducts are an integral part of your HVAC system. But they’re often overlooked. Check out some of the most common ductwork problems that can lead to consistently high utility bills and health issues.
Poor design
Air ducts transfer the air back and forth between your rooms and HVAC units. The lesser the distance, the better it’ll be for the budget and effectiveness. Poor design will cause inefficient cooling or heating and higher energy bills due to overburdening of the system.
Improper insulation
Improper insulation of your ductwork will waste a lot of your money. That’s because a significant amount of conditioned air can escape. Therefore, make sure your ductwork is properly insulated.
Dirty ducts
Pollutants and debris can build up in ducts, leading to an unhealthy environment. This can further cause increased energy bills due to restricted airflow and diseases caused by contaminants.
Restricted airflow
If your air ducts have dust or debris, or you have flexible ductwork, it might cause restrictions in air circulation.
Leaking ductwork
Improper insulation or disconnected air ducts can cause air to leak and affect the air quality inside your home. According to experts, about 20-40 percent of the air escapes outdoors due to leaking ductwork, resulting in significant inefficiency in your heating and cooling system.
Diagnosing and Fixing Ductwork Problems: How do you know if your ductwork is in bad shape?
If you have poor indoor air quality, your ductwork might be in bad shape. Take a look at some common signs of ductwork problems:
Increase allergy symptoms: If you or your family members are frequently getting sick and having allergy symptoms, it might be due to poor air quality inside your home. It’s common to be allergic to dust, mold spores, and pollen. Don’t shake off such hazardous signs. It’s about your health, after all.
Uneven temperature: Does your house have an inconsistent temperature? If some parts of your home stay cold and others hot, that means your ductwork might need fixing.
Excessive duct: Simply having dust in your home is common. But if your house seems to get excessive dust, it might be the time for professional ductwork cleaning.
Fixes for Common Ductwork Problems: How to fix common ductwork problems.
Here are some solutions for common ductwork problems by the experts:
Air duct cleaning
If your ductwork is dirty or contaminated, cleaning it thoroughly might be the best option. Open access doors to have space for cleaning and inspection. Next, you need to inspect air ducts and ensure your system contains no asbestos-containing materials. Protect your belongings when you clean. You can use a vacuum machine to remove debris and dust, and exhaust them outdoors. Carefully clean your duct with a soft-bristled brush to avoid damage.
Proper insulation
If your air ducts are losing some amount of conditioned air outdoors, you need to ensure to apply sealants and perform proper insulation. Use a good quality product, cut it to the required size, and fit it around your duct. Make sure to apply tape afterward to secure it.
Design correction
If it’s an inefficient design that’s an issue, you should call a professional to fix it. This will require proper training and experience to do the job. Otherwise, it might lead to even more problems.
Getting Expert Opinion: What to do if you can’t fix the problem yourself.
Fixing problems with air ducts is a challenging task. Even if you’re a DIY fan, it’s advisable to always stay in touch with the professionals for such jobs. Contact Air Quality Experts if you need assistance or information. Our team will fix any ductwork and HVAC system problems and would love to help you achieve excellent indoor air quality. Browse through our website to check our services: https://www.airqualityexpertstx.com
