Ductwork in your Archbold, OH home delivers warm and cool air to different areas of your home. This ducting can fail over time, allowing conditioned air to escape into spaces that don’t need it. Conditioned air can escape to the inside of walls, your attic or your basement. This leads to higher-than-normal energy bills and equipment strain. Discovering ductwork problems early and then deciding if repairs or replacements are needed can ensure you enjoy a comfortable and efficient residence year-round.
Uncomfortable Room Temperature
If you have rooms in your home that feel like they are at a different temperature from others, this may be because of damaged ducting. You may also have incorrectly sized ducting, or it may lack insulation. Insulation around your ductwork can ensure that the temperature of the air inside the ducts remains relatively stable until it passes through your vents and registers. This minimizes the amount of time you need to run your furnace or air conditioner, extending their useful life.
To improve your ductwork, insulation can be added around your ducting. We can also adjust the layout of your ducting to make it more effective. If damage is present, repairs can include sealing holes or replacing large sections of ducting.
Odd Noises During Use
Your ductwork shouldn’t make much noise at all, aside from the subtle sound of air passing through the ducts while your HVAC system is running. If you’re noticing loud banging, rattling or whistling sounds during operation, you may have loose connections, holes, cracks or gaps that are creating imbalances in your system. This allows ducting to expand and contract dramatically, creating abnormal noises.
We can determine the noise location and create a plan for repair or replacement. If small cracks or gaps are present, we can repair them using duct sealants or tapes. Large areas require replacement.
Spike in Energy Consumption and Costs
It’s important to monitor your energy bills to ensure they remain consistent and affordable. If you’re noticing a change in energy use but aren’t using your HVAC system more frequently, your ducting may be to blame. As conditioned air escapes into crawl spaces and walls, your HVAC system will work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
If we determine that your increase in energy consumption is due to ductwork damage, we offer a solution. If your ductwork is very old, it may be time to replace it with a sealed system of ducting that can improve system efficiency. On average, sheet metal ductwork lasts approximately 20 to 25 years, while flexible ducting lasts 10 to 15 years. If you have PVC ductwork, it will last around 15 to 20 years before it deteriorates.
Indoor Air Quality Impact
The quality of the air inside your home is crucial in maintaining your health and well-being. Damaged ducting can allow particulate matter, pests and other contaminants to enter and circulate throughout your home. You can spot this problem with regular inspections of your ductwork. Also, pay attention to any lingering odors, excessive humidity or dirty surfaces in your home.
We recommend you schedule routine ductwork cleaning at least once every three to five years. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, more frequent cleaning may be beneficial. We can also periodically inspect your ductwork to ensure no damage is developing. We can use specialized camera equipment to view the inside of your ductwork.
The Need for Frequent Repairs
It’s normal for an HVAC system to fail, requiring repairs. However, frequent issues can indicate problems with ductwork. Your system may be working harder than usual to maintain a comfortable interior temperature. This leads to strain on various components, which will ultimately require a repair or replacement. If you’re noticing that you need to schedule frequent HVAC repairs and your equipment isn’t very old, have us inspect your ducting to see if this is the source of the problem.
Fraas Heating & Cooling is happy to help you with your ductwork repair or replacement needs if you live in or around the Archbold area. We also perform routine ductwork inspections, HVAC maintenance, emergency repairs and more. Reach out to Fraas Heating & Cooling for assistance in Archbold today.
