Ductwork for central air conditioning became common in the US in new homes that were built starting in the 1970s. For the first time, people had control over the temperatures of their homes, not just when it was too cold outside, but also when it was too hot. It was an amazing innovation, and central air conditioners and the ductwork they use to distribute their cooled air continue to be popular today.
But every system has its pros and cons, and nothing works perfectly forever without needing to be repaired or replaced. Problems can occur with ductwork, especially if it has been in use for many years. What problems? We’ll give you a list. If you notice any of these things happening in your home, have your ductwork inspected by a professional. It may need to be replaced.
1: Aging Ducts
The first thing to keep in mind is that the ravages of time will deteriorate your ductwork eventually. If you haven’t noticed any of the other signs, your aging ductwork might still be fine, but if you haven’t had it looked at in ten years, you should definitely have a qualified technician take a look.
2: Low Airflow
When your air conditioner is running, put your hand in front of your home’s vents. There should be a strong, steady blast of cold air. If you’re only feeling a trickle, it’s likely that something has gone wrong with your ducts. Perhaps there is a twist or kink somewhere not allowing air through. Or perhaps a torn or cracked section is letting much of your conditioned air out behind your walls or in your attic before it gets to the vents.
3: Insufficient or Uneven Cooling
Does your air conditioner or heater struggle with keeping your home at the temperature you desire? Are there fluctuations in temperature, or stubborn hot or cold spots that just don’t seem to be getting what they need from your HVAC system? The ducts are a likely culprit.
Maybe there is damage preventing proper circulation. Or maybe, if your ductwork is pretty new, there were problems in the design or installation that make it so no heater or air conditioner will be able to get the job done. A qualified professional can help get to the root of the problem.
4: Sounds and Smells
While your HVAC system will make regular sounds—the whir of fans and the hum of your air conditioner or heater—the ductwork should not make sounds. Rattling, buzzing, whistling, or other noises indicate either breaches in the ductwork or an air pressure problem. Your ductwork also shouldn’t have a smell, so if a musty odor is drifting out of your vents, there could be mold growing there.
5: Visible Damage
Finally, the obvious: if you see that any part of your ductwork is torn, cracked, disconnected, twisted, or kinked, it’s time for duct replacement in Lockport, IL. Our team can do anything from replacing small damaged sections to redesigning the entire system and installing fresh ductwork throughout your home. And with estimates suggesting that the average American home is losing 23% of its heated and cooled air through bad ductwork, it’s definitely worth making sure yours is in good shape.
Call J&A today, Sleep-tight tonight!