How to Know When It’s Time for Air Duct Replacement
Air ducts are an essential component of central air systems. The air ducts distribute warm or cool air from the HVAC unit throughout the home. They are also essential for ventilating the home with proper airflow. Damaged air ducts can cost homeowners by raising energy bills and putting extra strain on the HVAC system.
Ductwork needs to be occasionally repaired and cleaned to maintain proper function. Failing to maintain the air ducts by changing the air filter on time and fixing small problems as they arise can take years off the HVAC system’s life expectancy. In this blog post, see tips for recognizing signs of damage and explaining the benefits of installing new ducts.
Signs Ductwork Is Damaged
One of the first signs of faulty ductwork that homeowners notice is strange noises coming from the ducts. Noisy air ducts can keep people up at night with rattling, banging, and other strange noises. Homeowners should keep an eye on their energy bills for sudden increases in energy usage because this could indicate a problem with the HVAC system.
Another sign of something wrong with the ductwork is if the airflow is inconsistent. Excess moisture in the air ducts can cause mildew and mold to grow. When this happens, the air from the vents can begin to smell musty and gross. Homeowners should pay attention to strange smells coming from the ductwork. Sometimes, pests and vermin could have made their nests in the ductwork.
Benefits of New Air Ducts
There are a lot of benefits to replacing old air ducts with new ones. New ductwork will be more efficient, quiet, and clean than old ones. Improving the materials and layout of the ductwork can significantly impact the energy the HVAC system uses. While the air travels through the ductwork, it loses some of its temperature. This causes the system to work harder to heat or cool the home.
Installing new air ducts will eliminate problems that make the system less efficient, such as leaky ductwork. Moldy ductwork can hazard human health as mold spores are ventilated around the home. Replacing ductwork around every 15 years is recommended by experts. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help improve the air ducts’ longevity.
Air Duct Repair Methods
Professionals have several methods that they use to repair air ducts. Keeping the air ducts clean is an important step toward promoting efficient performance. Dust and debris in the air ducts can cause allergy symptoms and spike energy bills. Professional duct cleaning is recommended to safely keep the ductwork in good working order.
Air duct sealing is another professional method to improve the performance of ductwork. Small leaks in the ductwork can greatly impact the amount of energy used. Professional air duct sealing methods such as tape, mastic sealant, and aerosol are used to seal off any cracks or leaks in the ducts so that air does not escape.
About The Duct Busters
The Duct Busters is a Medina, OH home services company dedicated to air duct installation, repair, and maintenance. Homeowners can count on this local company to provide expert service at fair and affordable prices. Give them a call today to schedule ductwork installation!
