Bad ductwork can cause a variety of issues for your Frederick home’s HVAC system. It is crucial for homeowners to know how to tell when their duct work is in trouble. This makes it possible to know when you need to call in an HVAC professional to tackle the problem so that you can restore comfort in your home.
Uneven Heating and Cooling
Your home’s cooling and heating may be inconsistent from room to room. This is because issues with your ductwork can reduce how much air gets into each room. For example, a disconnected joint going to a bedroom will make this room too hot or cold compared to rooms with in-tact ductwork.
Increased Home Humidity
Humidity levels throughout your home might increase as a result of leaks in your ductwork causing condensation inside the ducts. As humidity increases, there is a higher risk for mold growth in your ductwork and home.
Premature Component Failure
When your ductwork is in poor condition, your HVAC system has to work harder to compensate. This can cause some parts to wear out prematurely. For example, you might have to either replace or repair your blower motor or compressor before they reach their average lifespan.
Fluctuating Temperatures
The temperature in your home might start to fluctuate due to damaged ductwork. This occurs as your system cycles off and on more frequently than it should. Duct leaks can lead to this issue, as escaping air requires your system to turn on more often to compensate.
Abnormal Noises
If you notice any banging, whistling or rattling sounds coming from your ductwork, this could mean that there are damaged or loose sections that require repair. This issue is not uncommon when your ducts have been improperly installed or are very old.
Increased Energy Bills
If your energy bills are increasing but the rest of your HVAC system is fine, this could mean that your ductwork is to blame. Poor duct insulation or leaks can lead to this issue.
Reduced Air Quality
If someone in your home has respiratory problems or allergies that are getting worse for no apparent reason, it could be your ductwork. The air quality in your home can suffer due to dirty or damaged ducts. Leaks or holes make it possible for pollen, mold spores, dust and other types of pollutants to get into your system and then circulate throughout your home. You might also notice that your vents are getting dirty or dusty a lot faster than usual if you have bad ducts.
Visible Issues
Sometimes you can easily spot issues with your ducts. For example, you might notice dislocations at the joints or separated sections. Tears or holes are other visible signs. You may also see rust or mold growth.
Strange Smells
Your ductwork might put out a musty odor if it is dirty or in bad condition. This could indicate mildew or mold growing inside your ducts.
Maintaining Your Ductwork
About once a year, have an HVAC professional come out and inspect your ductwork. They will alert you to any issues that require attention. During this time, they will also perform routine maintenance. This involves sealing any cracks to stop air from escaping your ducts.
If necessary, a professional can insulate your ducts to maintain the temperature of the air that flows through them. Cleaning your ducts is another important element of maintenance. This process removes dust, debris and mold so that these particulates are not blowing throughout your house when your HVAC system is running. Routine maintenance also involves changing out filters so that your indoor air is cleaner.
Duct Experts in Frederick
Keeping your ductwork in excellent condition is vital for maintaining your entire HVAC system. We have experienced professionals that can check your Frederick home’s ductwork and let you know what needs repair or replacement. Our team can also help with other elements of your system, such as your furnace, air conditioning unit and thermostat. We can also perform an indoor air quality assessment, making recommendations for how you can make your home healthier.
Contact Weather Masters Corp. in Frederick today to get help with your home’s HVAC system, including ductwork.
