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Your home’s ducting plays an essential role in your home’s heating, cooling, humidity, and indoor air quality. Damage, age and wear and tear all have the potential to cause ductwork systems to lose some of their efficiency over time. You can save money, get more out of your HVAC system and make your home healthier by remaining aware of the warning signs that it’s time to replace your ducting.
Consistently High Energy Bills
Your ductwork may be to blame if you have increasing heating and cooling bills despite not having made any major changes to your energy consumption or way of life. Your HVAC system must work harder and more often to compensate for conditioned air that escapes through duct leaks. Over time, this can increase energy costs due to the extra energy use.
Uneven Temperatures Throughout the Home
Your HVAC system will have a harder time distributing conditioned air uniformly throughout the house if there is an air duct issue that inhibits adequate ventilation. Consequently, even with the air conditioning on full blast, some rooms could be too hot and others too chilly. By repairing damaged ducts or replacing old or poorly built ones, you can restore balanced airflow and make sure that every room is always at a comfortable temperature.
Poor Airflow from Vents
Weak airflow from your vents can be a sign that your ductwork needs an inspection. Clogged, damaged or improperly connected ducts will all cause poor airflow, which prolongs the time it takes for your heating and cooling system to heat or cool your home. Aside from negatively impacting your comfort, this inefficiency can cause premature HVAC repairs and replacements. Replacing your ducts might be the best long-term approach to enhance airflow and system performance if cleaning or sealing them doesn’t work.
Excessive Dust in the Home
You may need to replace your ductwork if there is a significant amount of dust accumulation throughout your home. Dust and other particles can get into your home’s air system through ducts that have developed leaks or cracks over time. After changing your HVAC filter, if you still find yourself frequently cleaning surfaces from dust, it may be time to replace the ducts. When dust gets into the ducts, it lowers the air quality inside and makes allergies or respiratory problems worse.
Mold Growth in Ducts
Problems with moisture in your ducts can lead to the rapid growth and spread of mold, which thrives in dark, damp places. Mold spores can float through the air, which can lead to respiratory issues, including wheezing and coughing. Mold also makes it harder to clean ducts because it can damage the material. In many cases, the best way to restore a healthy and pleasant living space after mold infestation is to replace the ducts.
Strange Noises Coming from Ductwork
Something may be amiss with your ducting if you hear unusual noises like banging, rattling or whistling emanating from it. Ductwork problems, such as structural damage, airflow constraints and loose connections, are common causes of these noises. Parts may become loose or misaligned because of ducting degradation. Ducts can make a banging sound as their internal dimensions change in response to temperature variations, as well as a whistling sound when air leaks out of tiny gaps or cracks. If these sounds persist, it may be necessary to repair the ducts to prevent further damage and get the system running smoothly and quietly again.
Frequent HVAC System Breakdowns
Ducts that are leaking, blocked or aren’t the right size or configuration make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to. Because of this extra stress, system failures and expensive repairs may become more common. The cost of fixing the HVAC system on a regular basis can increase over time, so it may be more cost-effective to replace the defective ducting.
Visible Damage or Deterioration
Ducts are susceptible to rust, corrosion and cracks because of exposure to moisture, aging and everyday use. The loss of conditioned air is likely to be substantial if there are obvious problems with the ductwork, such as holes, tears or detached connections. Another issue that might impede airflow is when ducts droop or collapse. If your ductwork is clearly broken or deteriorating, it almost always makes more sense to replace it instead of paying for multiple repairs.
Unpleasant Odors Circulating Through the Air
A musty, stale or nasty odor emanating from your vents could be a sign of mildew in the ductwork. These unpleasant aromas will permeate your home if contaminants from lower levels, such as the attic, basement or crawl space, get into your duct system. Thorough, professional duct cleaning may fix the problem. But if cleaning and sealing are unsuccessful in removing odors and improving indoor air quality, duct replacement may be necessary.
Old Ductwork (Over 15 to 20 Years)
Leaks, cracks and other problems that diminish efficiency and performance are more common in older ducting. Wear and tear from years of use makes ducts more prone to leaks. This can also cause higher energy costs, poor ventilation and less comfort as ductwork ages. If you’ve been using the ductwork in your home for more than 15 to 20 years, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Signs of Pest Infestation in Ducts
Pests like birds, rats and insects can sometimes find their way into ductwork, spreading toxins while also causing extensive damage. Strange noises, droppings near vents or a bad odor emanating from the ducts are all possible indications of pest infestation. Insects and other pests can eat away duct material, causing leaks and holes that reduce the effectiveness of your HVAC system. They may also produce debris that degrades the air quality and endangers your health. An air duct specialist can inspect your vents to determine whether there is any type of pest infestation. Depending on the extent of the infiltration, you might need to hire a pest control expert. It’s beneficial to have your ductwork cleaned by our team once the pests have been removed, but we may recommend that you replace some or all of your ductwork that has been affected.
What to Expect During a Duct Inspection
When one of our HVAC experts performs a duct inspection, they will look for damage, leaks, obstructions and inefficiencies in your ductwork. They will examine the area for signs of airflow problems, mold, dust and loose connections using specialized equipment. If our team suspects that your system is underperforming due to hidden leaks, they may conduct a pressure test to find them. Following the assessment, they will give you a comprehensive report outlining the state of your ducts and suggesting maintenance, cleaning or replacement as needed. By following these steps, you can keep your HVAC system in good working order and the air inside your home healthy.
865 HVAC is here to help you keep your ductwork functioning as it should. We also offer HVAC installations, indoor air quality solutions, ductless mini-split maintenance, generators and more. Call us now to schedule a duct inspection for your home in Knoxville, TN.
