Your HVAC system does a great job of heating or cooling your indoor air at temperatures you prefer. For this to happen, it has to pull air from your room to the basement, crawlspace, or central hallway where it’s installed, condition it, and then push it back out to you. All this is possible because of the ductwork system. It acts as the pathway, ensuring a seamless flow of air between the HVAC system and the individual rooms in your home. Here’s how its state affects the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the HVAC system.
Understanding How Ducts Work
Ducts are a network of tubes typically made from sheets of galvanized steel or aluminum metal wrapped with insulation. This insulation (which can be fiberglass or mineral wool) also doubles as a vapor retarder, preventing condensation, mold growth, and corrosion on the duct system. Some technicians also install internal insulation to minimize noise and enhance energy efficiency.
The primary purpose of the duct network is to circulate air throughout your home. The system utilizes return and supply ducts. The return ducts have vents with filters near the floor, and this is where the HVAC system pulls air from your room.
The supply ducts have their openings in the ceiling or high up on the wall. Conditioned air enters the room through the high vents. Their elevated position is meant to create a draft that pushes the stale air down and out through the return grilles.
How Ductwork Affects the HVAC System
The design and installation of ducts have a significant impact on the HVAC system’s ability to deliver conditioned air effectively to all rooms in the house. One key factor in ductwork performance is sizing. Undersized ducts restrict airflow, forcing your AC or furnace to work harder to pull and push air. The fans (which are responsible for pulling and pushing air through the ducts) will experience increased wear and tear on their motors, prompting frequent repairs or even complete replacement. Additionally, an overworking system consumes a lot of energy, meaning higher utility bills.
Conversely, oversized ducts reduce air speeds, interfering with air circulation in the building. The fans will also have to work harder to pull or push air.
Another factor affecting duct system performance is configuration and layout. Relatively straight and properly insulated ducts have smooth airflow with little to no resistance and pressure drops. Even cases of leaks are very minimal.
On the other hand, ductwork with excessive bends or kinks can reduce airflow and create unwanted pressure imbalances. The joints often detach, creating air leaks and openings for microorganisms and rodents to invade the ducts.
Additionally, a technician should strategically place the location of the supply and return registers. They should be on opposite sides of each other at different elevations. The supply register should be raised near the ceiling, whereas the return vents should be lower on the wall.
When to Repair Your Air Ducts
When your ductwork is failing, it first displays signs of wear and tear. The common ones include:
Inconsistent Temperatures
Your HVAC system should not have any problem keeping comfortable, consistent temperatures in every section of your house. If one room is noticeably warmer or colder than the rest of the house, the duct supplying air to that space might be blocked, ruptured, or damaged. Also, the insulation may be worn out and leaking heat into the surrounding environment.
Dust and Dirt Around the Air Vents
Unclean ducts pose a significant threat to your home. At best, your rooms will be dirty. At worst, your family is exposed to mold spores, allergens, and fungi that are known to cause severe respiratory issues.
This dust issue arises when the ducts leak. It can also occur when the air filters are ineffective at their job. Consider replacing your filters every two to three months.
Unexpected Higher Energy Bills
If your HVAC system appears to be in good working order but your bills seem to be abnormally high, a faulty or leaky ductwork might be the explanation. The HVAC system works harder to compensate for the impaired duct functionality.
Strange Noises
If you hear banging, popping, or booming sounds when the HVAC system is running, your ductwork might be malfunctioning. These noises often stem from the expansion and contraction of the duct’s inner membrane due to imbalanced air pressure.
Factors that cause air pressure imbalances in ductwork include improper duct sizing, sharp bends, excessive lengths, blockages, and leaks. Also, a faulty thermostat interfering with the cooling or heating cycles may affect airflow in the ducts as well as your room.
Repair Tips
When you notice the above signs, it’s crucial to call a professional for immediate assessment and repairs. Some tips to ensure a seamless process include:
Identifying the Problem
Accurately identify what’s wrong with your ducts. Listen to the unusual noises, try to figure out the type of smells coming off your vents, and inspect the ducts for any signs of damage. Doing this will help you pinpoint the exact issue.
Check the Registers
The registers can quickly tell you if you have dirty ducts or indoor air problems. Clogged filters often impede airflow, which could cause air pressure imbalance inside the ducts.
If your filters are dirty, be sure to replace them or wash them (if they are reusable). When replacing them, it’s crucial that you follow the manufacturer’s size and filter type recommendations to ensure the HVAC system’s peak performance.
Reinsulate the Ducts
Ducts are in unconditioned places in the house. Without proper insulation, they can gain or lose heat before delivering it to your indoor space with the conditioned air.
The parts that often seem to lose insulation are the connections and joints. Consider working with an HVAC expert to reinsulate such areas.
Consult Professional Repair Services
While DIY repairs can be effective for minor duct issues, some situations are best handled by a professional. For instance, ductwork that’s severely damaged, improperly installed, or has mold growth requires special tools and skills to fix.
Replacement Tips
Replacement is a better alternative to repairs when your ducts are older than 15 years. After over a decade of service, the duct seals, joints, and seams deteriorate. This can lead to costly overuse of energy, poor HVAC performance, and overall discomfort in your home.
A new duct system will incorporate improved materials, design, and size that enhance efficiency and durability. With proper maintenance, you should expect approximately 20 years of satisfying service.
Ductwork installation is also needed when renovating or remodeling your home. If you are changing your home’s layout, you might also need to reconfigure your ducts to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
Ductwork Repair or Replacement Professionals
If your ductwork has any issues, call Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc. in Hillsboro, OR, for ductwork repairs, duct sealing, or replacement. With over 15 years of experience in the HVAC industry, we guarantee prompt and excellent work for all our HVAC and indoor air quality services. Also, if you want to get rid of your ducts, reach out to us for ductless mini-split installation.
