A higher-than-normal energy bill may be the result of damaged ductwork in your HVAC system. When there are problems with your heating and cooling ductwork it can waste hundreds of dollars a year of energy.
It is highly recommended that you don’t ignore ductwork problems as they can grow worse over time. However, there are solutions to this problem. We will share everything that you should know about why good heating and cooling ductwork is important and if you should have yours replaced.
How Good Heating and Cooling Ductwork Affects You
The component of your HVAC system that circulates air throughout your home is ductwork. Having air ducts that are free from any damage can make a big difference in how your system functions and the comfort you’ll find in your home during the cold and hot seasons.
Furthermore, damaged ductwork has the ability to cause damage to your health. This can happen when toxic materials such as mold and mildew flow through your vents and to you.
Replacing your ductwork can have a great impact almost instantly. You will no longer feel low air pressure, mold and mildew will not be a danger to you and your family, and your HVAC system’s life will be extended.
How To Know It’s Time To Replace Your Ductwork
The below signs can help you decide if it’s time for you to replace your heating and cooling ductwork.
Your Heating and Cooling System Is Making Strange Noises
Strange noises coming from your HVAC system include rattling and vibrating. This doesn’t mean that regular operational noises are out of the ordinary. But rattling coming from your system may be a sign that a joint in your air ducts is damaged. Loud noises that occur when air flows through ducts could be a sign of a hole in your ductwork.
Your Energy Bill Spikes
If you are not using any more electricity than you typically would, there may be an issue with your heating and cooling system ductwork. This will happen when the HVAC system is over-stressed and has to work harder to cool or heat your home because air is escaping through the ductwork.
Some Rooms Are Warmer Or Cooler Than Others
Air ducts that are damaged or have holes present in them can cause your warm or cool air to leave the ductwork before it has a chance to reach you. This will result in some rooms in your home being hotter or colder than others.
More Dust Than Usual
When your air ducts have damage, such as leaks and holes dust will come into your air system from outside. This will cause your home to become dustier than it normally would be otherwise.
Air Smells Like Mildew Or Mold
Mold and mildew can build up in your air ducts due to condensation accumulating because of temperature fluctuations, and poorly insulated or connected ducts. These kinds of toxic materials can make you ill if you breathe them in.
An Increase In Pests
Pests such as bugs and rodents can enter the home through damaged ductwork. If you see that there is an increase in pests in your home, it may be due to a leak or hole in your air duct system. If an infestation begins it can cause further problems like blockages.
Debris And Dirt Around Air Vents
When the air that is blowing into your home is dirty it will leave debris and dirt built up around your air vents. This is caused by damage to your ductwork that allows dust, pet hair, lint, and dirt to accumulate.
Old Ductwork System
Ductwork is designed to last about 10-15 years. If your home is older than that there is a higher chance that holes and leaks will occur.
How You Can Fix Your Ductwork
There’s a chance that only parts of your ductwork need to be replaced as opposed to the whole system. Now that you’re aware of the signs that your ductwork needs replacing, it’s time for an inspection.
You can perform this inspection yourself and point out any damaged areas. Once you’ve completed that you’ll want to clean all your air ducts, seal them, and insulate them properly. Once you’ve finished these steps, having an HVAC professional perform an inspection will help find any areas that still need replacing.
Our team of HVAC professionals at Sierra Air are experts in heating and cooling ductwork replacement and repair. Give us a call today for an inspection!
