Is It Time To Replace Your Home Heating and Cooling Ductwork?

Did you know that a higher-than-normal energy bill can be caused by your home heating and cooling ductwork being damaged? It can actually waste more energy which can add up to hundreds of dollars a year. However, you don’t have to deal with high energy bills due to bad ductwork. There are solutions available to fix the problem before it turns into something worse. Here you will learn when you should get your heating and cooling ductwork repaired or replaced and why it’s important to do so.

Reasons Good Heating and Cooling Ductwork Is Essential

What is ductwork? Heating and cooling ductwork is part of your HVAC system that circulates hot and cold air through the ducts and vents and into your home. When your ductwork is damaged it can cause many issues for you during the hot and cold seasons.   Damaged ductwork in your heating and cooling system can cause you to have a much higher energy bill and lose air pressure. This is usually because there is a poor connection in the ducts, or a hole is present. When your HVAC system has to strain and works harder to push the air through the ducts it will result in energy being wasted and your bill skyrocketing. On top of that, there are some instances where damaged ductwork can be hazardous to your health. This is when toxic materials such as mold and mildew accumulate in the ducts and flow into the air that you breathe. When your damaged ductwork is repaired or replaced the benefits will be noticed right away. Your air pressure will return to normal, there will be no signs of mold or mildew, and the lifespan of your system will be extended.

How Will I Know It’s Time To Replace My Ductwork?

You may be wondering how to tell it’s time for a ductwork replacement. Here are the signs that can help you determine if this is the best choice for you.

Weird Noises Coming From Your HVAC System

If you’re hearing noises that are outside of the normal operational sounds of a heating and cooling system, you may have damaged ductwork. These noises can include rattling and vibrating which can be a sign that an air duct joint is damaged. If a hole is present in your system, you will hear loud noises as the air circulates through the air ducts.

Increased Energy Use

As we previously stated, when ductwork is damaged it will use up more energy than necessary to heat or cool your home. This happens when there’s a leak or hole in your ductwork and the air escapes before it reaches you which causes the system to overwork and strain and use more energy.

Your Home Is Heated Or Cooled Unevenly

If you’re realizing that one room in your home is hotter or colder than others, damaged ductwork could be the cause. Air will leave the ducts before it reaches your home through holes and damage and will result in your home being cooled or heated unevenly.

Dustier Home

If you have to constantly dust your home, it is very likely that a hole or leak in your ductwork is allowing dust in from outside. This will then flow through your vents and settle in your home.

Mold Or Mildew Smell In The Air

When temperatures fluctuate condensation can accumulate in your air ducts. This can cause mold and mildew to live in your ductwork. Another reason that your air may smell like mildew or mold is because of poorly connected or insulated ducts. These toxic particles can be dangerous to your health.

Pest Infestation

Damaged ductwork can let pests such as bugs or rodents into your home with ease. If you’re noticing, there seems to be an increase of these creatures in your home there may be damage to your air duct system. If the situation escalates, an infestation blockage can occur in your air ducts.

You See Debris And Dirt Around Your Vents

When your air ducts have damaged areas it can allow pet hair, dirt, lint, and dust to accumulate at your air vents. When the air is dirty you will see debris and dirt around the vents.

Ductwork System Is Old

Old ductwork has a higher chance that it will suffer from leaks and holes. Since ductwork is built to last about 10-15 years, if your home is older than that it’s time for ductwork replacement.

How To Fix Your Ductwork

If you’re lucky there may only be certain sections of your ductwork that need replacing or repairing. Since you’ve gone over all the signs that you need ductwork, it’s time to get it fixed. If you want to fix your ductwork on your own, inspect the areas that could be damaged first. After you’ve confirmed the area problems, you can clean the air ducts, seal them, and then insulate them. If you need help Moore Home Service technicians are experienced in ductwork repair and replacement. Give us a call today to schedule an inspection!