The ductwork in your building plays a vital role in your home’s indoor comfort. Whenever your heating and cooling system is in operation, the ducts ensure that conditioned air reaches every room in your house. But since air ducts are hidden, you most likely don’t give these essential components too much thought as long as your HVAC equipment does its job. However, if your duct system has a problem, it will severely affect your comfort levels. Check out the following five signs to know when to install new ductwork.
High Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in your energy balls, it could be due to energy loss through leaks in your ductwork. Cracks or leaks can develop in your system, especially when it nears the end of life. As a result, some of the conditioned air escapes to unwanted areas instead of getting circulated in your space. Increasing the thermostat level will only lead to increased utility bills as the HVAC system tries to work harder to keep your home comfortable. You can hire an expert to identify the hidden issues in your ductwork. Installing new ducts is an effective solution to solve the issue permanently.
Uneven Heating and Cooling
Have you discovered some rooms in your home are warmer or cooler than others? This could be a result of faults in your ductwork. For instance, if there are holes in your ducts, your HVAC system cannot heat or cool all the spots in your house effectively and efficiently. You can also verify inconsistent room temperatures using an indoor thermometer. If there are significant temperature differences in different areas, call a professional to inspect and determine the cause of the problem. Sometimes duct sealing can help but installing new ductwork may be a better long-term solution.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
You can find dust anywhere around your home, both indoors and outdoors. However, your ductwork may have an issue if there is consistently too much dust accumulation. This happens when unsealed ducts let in dust and other debris from outside. The dust particles are then carried through the system to the vents and circulate in your space. As a result, your house will become dusty, which will also cause problems with your HVAC system and your loved one’s health.
In addition to dust, other pollutants can enter the home. For example, mold spores, pollen, ragweed, and other toxins can be drawn in and circulated throughout the system. With time, you or other people in your home may start experiencing chronic breathing issues like allergies, asthma, and other health problems like stuffy noses and irritated eyes. New ducts will prevent pollutants and other allergens from invading your living space.
Mold and Mildew Issues
Have you noticed a musty odor in some parts of your house? If the smell becomes more pronounced when you turn on your cooling or heating system, it may signify mold or mildew growth in your ductwork. This is a sesevereroblem, esmainlyhen it develops in your duct system because it can lead to dangerous health conditions, such as respiratory infections and allergies. When you turn on your HVAC system, odors, and mold spores spread throughout your building. If you suspect mold or mildew growth in your ducts, seek professional help immediately. Cleaning the system may help, but a complete replacement is an effective solution for mold.
5. Odd Noises
Typically, your HVAC system makes some noise that isn’t disturbing during operation. However, if the sound suddenly becomes excessively loud or you hear the ducts vibrating, you need an expert to check your system. In addition, if there are large cracks or holes in your ductwork, they can contribute to unusual noises as air flows through the ducts.
Reliable Duct Replacement Team
Your home’s ductwork is probably the last thing you think about when taking care of your heating and cooling system. However, your ducts are critical in ensuring your living space is comfortable. If you have a faulty duct system, such as leaks or holes, your HVAC system won’t perform effectively.
If it’s time to install new ductwork in your home, Totally Cool Heating & Air has decades of combined experience in duct replacement. We have a team of certified professionals with unrivaled duct installation solutions expertise. Also, our company is registered with the BBB and has a tremendous reputation for delivering exceptional services. We provide filtration and air cleaning, attic insulation, duct sealing and replacement, IAQ solutions, AC and heating maintenance, installation, and repair services in Austin. Contact Totally Cool Heating & Air today to schedule a service with the pros.