Damaged Ductwork Is Causing Your HVAC System To Work Overtime
It’s normal for air ducts in the home to experience wear and tear over time. However, several other factors may cause damage to the ductwork as well, including external issues like blocked vents, clogged filters, or rodent infestations. Luckily, there are ways to identify if there are holes or obstructions: airflow issues, dust in the home, and rising energy bills are all clues that there might be an air leak in the ductwork. This article will explain how to deal with potential issues to avoid further stress on the HVAC system.
Hang Your Duster up for Good
The spring and summer seasons bring in more sunlight, meaning more open windows and, eventually, more dust in the home. But does it sometimes feel like no matter how often the home is dusted, it never seems to go away completely? This might be a sign that there are holes in the air ducts.
Holes in the ductwork mean dust is evading the air filters entirely before entering the home. Air filters generally do a pretty good job of keeping dust and debris outside, so if an inescapable amount of dust is collected on the air vents or sitting on fixtures in the home, it might be worth checking out the ducts for any air leaks for potential duct repair.
There Might Be a Road (or Rodent) Block in Your Ductwork
Blocked or damaged air ducts can significantly affect airflow throughout the home. There are many reasons for airflow to be negatively affected, including blocked vents, clogged filters, or a faulty thermostat. All of these issues have generally simple fixes.
Rodents in the ducts could also be affecting airflow. To escape the summer heat, rodents will chew through the air ducts in the home to nest and get first dibs on all the cold air blowing through the system. Patching the air duct might solve the problem, but professional ductwork repair might also be required.
Bacterial overgrowth can also disturb airflow. An odor and a weaker airflow from the vents are strong indicators that something is seriously wrong within the system. If these symptoms are noticed, it’s recommended that homeoners call an HVAC professional right away to perform a proper air duct repair. This will keep the family safe from harsh indoor air quality.
Preventing Air Leaks Will Help Prevent Wallet Leaks
Any form of damage to the ductwork in the home can cause many inconveniences, but the most apparent and potentially detrimental is the inconvenience it can pose to finances. Rising energy bills usually indicate probable air duct repair is needed. Air leaks or obstructions in the ductwork cause the HVAC system to work double-time to maintain the same amount of power, leading to a surge in the utility bill over time. Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance can help avoid these problems in the future.
About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air
Brett Walker has proudly served the St. George and Southern Utah areas for the past twenty years. He and his team at Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air promise high-caliber craftsmanship and attentive, 24/7 customer service because they know that chaos can happen at any time. Call Walker Plumbing, Heating, & Air today to schedule HVAC service!
