Since your ductwork hides behind your walls, attic, and under floors, it’s easy to forget about them. Like your HVAC system, your ductwork also plays a significant role in your home’s comfort. It’s responsible for directing cool or warm air from room to room throughout your home. When your ducts get damaged, you could experience high energy bills and an uncomfortable living situation. Your ductwork needs repair, maintenance, and replacement when it receives damage. There are several signs to indicate you need to replace your ductwork.
Noisy HVAC
Most HVAC systems make some noise when switched on, but there might be a problem if the noise is too loud. Plastic and fiberglass seal the joints of your air ducts. When the joints get damaged, a whistling or rattling sound is produced when you turn on the system. Another reason you might hear loud noises is large holes in your ductwork that make sounds when air circulates. If you hear odd noises when you switch on your HVAC system, you should inspect the ducts and replace them.
Age
Your air ducts can last up to ten years with proper care, just like most HVAC systems. Over time, your ductwork’s seals and joints become weak and susceptible to damage. When have ductwork that is several years old, the overall performance reduces due to age and you can experience higher energy costs and an uncomfortable living situation. If your ductwork is more than 10 years old, you might need to upgrade your ductwork since duct installation methods have improved over the ages.
Mold
If there’s mold in your ductwork, it can cause a huge problem. Every time you switch your HVAC system on, the mold spores spread out throughout your home. Mold spores can cause severe allergies or severe health complications. Condensation from different temperatures in and out of your air ducts causes the mold to form. Mold also occurs as a result of poor insulation of your ductwork. To know when you have mold in your ductwork, your HVAC system will emit a foul smell every time it’s switched on. Ensure you inspect your ductwork if you smell mold and contact our experts for replacement services.
Poor Airflow
You might notice some of your rooms get insufficient warm or cool air than other rooms in your home. This might be because your ductwork is clogged or has damaged parts, and it can’t direct enough air throughout your home. You can use an indoor thermometer to know when you have uneven heating or cooling in some rooms. If there’s a big difference in temperature readings between rooms, that means there’s uneven airflow. You need to inspect your ductwork right away. There might be leaks in your ductwork that result in air escaping. If the leaks are too many, you need to replace your ductwork.
Crushed or Punctured Ductwork
If something heavy falls on your ductwork, it might be tangled, crushed, or get dents. When you notice dents and punctures, this is a clear sign that you should replace the ductwork. If your ducts have twists and damages, it affects your HVAC system’s efficiency by restricting airflow. When inspecting your ductwork, ensure you look for twisted or punctured ductwork to avoid inconvenience.
Improper Duct Design and Installation
Proper duct installation means being able to ensure your duct directs warm or cool air throughout your house while still maintaining efficiency. If your ductwork is poorly installed, it could cause future problems that can cost you a lot of money. It would be best if you considered replacing it immediately to ensure your system maintains optimum performance. Even with a new HVAC system that’s suitable for your home, poor ductwork design and installation can compromise your comfort and ventilation.
High Energy Bills
When you notice your energy bills have increased significantly, it might be because your air ducts are damaged. An example is when air is escaping through huge holes in your ducts. If this is the case, the HVAC system has to work extra hard to heat or cool your home and produces high energy bills. Leaky ducts cause inefficiency, which also reflects on your energy bills. If you notice your energy bills are higher than usual, inspect your ductwork and replace if the damage is too significant.
If you’re looking for ductwork replacement services in Arlington Heights, Illinois, IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co., experts are ready to assist you with all your ductwork problems. We also offer the best cooling and heating services, including repair, maintenance, and installations. Contact IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. today to restore your ductwork.
