Signs You Need to Replace the Ductwork in Your Home
Your home’s ductwork plays a vital role in keeping you comfortable. You can think of the ducts as your HVAC unit’s circulatory system. If they are damaged or dirty, your heater and air conditioner can’t effectively send conditioned air where it’s needed. If you have older ducts and are wondering if it’s time to replace them, there are several signs you can watch for.
Uneven Cooling and Heating
One of the most noticeable signs that there is a problem with your ductwork is uneven heating and cooling. When your ducts contain holes, gaps, and other damage, conditioned air can leak out of the ductwork before it reaches all of the rooms of your home. Depending on the location of the leaks, you may have a living room that stays comfortable but bedrooms that never get warm or cool enough. If you’re experiencing this issue, you should schedule an inspection to see if your ductwork is the cause.
Rising Energy Bills
In addition to causing uneven heating and cooling, leaks in your ductwork can also drive up your energy bills. Ducts that leak conditioned air into walls, crawl spaces, and other unused areas of the home cause your HVAC system to work harder to compensate for heat or cooling loss. An overworked HVAC system will cost much more to operate than one that is connected to clean, undamaged ductwork.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Holes and other damage can make it easier for dust and debris to collect inside your ductwork. Openings in the ducts can also provide entry for pests such as rodents and insects. Pest infestation and a buildup of dust and debris in your ducts will definitely affect your indoor air quality. Every time you run your furnace or air conditioner, all of those contaminants will be circulated throughout your home. This is particularly harmful to those with respiratory conditions, but breathing unhealthy air will affect everyone in your household. In some cases, a simple duct cleaning can help restore your air quality, but if your ducts are old, it may be better to replace them altogether.
Contact Us Today!
At Bryant Heating & Air Conditioning in Pasadena, California, we provide ductwork installation, repair, and insulation. Our team can properly calculate how much airflow is needed in each room and provide customized ductwork solutions for your home. We also offer heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance. Contact us at Bryant Heating & Air Conditioning today for more information or to set up an appointment!
