Signs Your Ductwork is Getting Old
Greg Schomburg • May 15, 2017
The ductwork in your home plays a crucial role in your home’s forced air cooling and heating system. They are responsible for delivering conditioned air to rooms and then routing the spent air back to the HVAC system to be cooled and heated again. However, do you know what happens when the ducts start to deteriorate? The fact is, old ductwork can hamper the work of an HVAC system and may lead to your home’s air being contaminated.
If that is the situation, it is crucial that homeowners know the signs that their ductwork is old, or aging. When they notice these signs, they will know it is time to have them repaired or replaced.
Signs that Your Home’s Ductwork is Old
The good news is, you don’t have to guess if your home’s ductwork is old. There are a number of signs that there is a problem, which includes:
- How old are the ducts?
This factor is pretty easy to determine. You know how old your ducts are because you know when (or approximately when) your home was built. As long as you have never replaced it, the ductwork that is delivering conditioned air to your home is the same.
- Are there signs of damage?
Have you looked at the exposed sections of your ductwork? Do you notice any corrosion or rust? Or, do you see any old duct tape falling away from the connections? There may even be sections of the ducts that are hanging or loose. If any of these signs of disrepair are noticed, then it is time to have your ducts replaced.
- Are your energy costs going up?
Have you begun to notice that your energy costs are going up unexpectedly the past few years? Are you unsure of why this is happening? The fact is, most energy rates remain relatively stable and if you don’t change what you use, then your bill should remain the same. In most cases, these increased costs are going to be the result of loose or leaky ducts.
- Is the temperature inconsistent from one room to another?
Have you noticed that the force of the air emerging from the vents is inconsistent from one room to the next? If so, this may be the result of the ducts running to some rooms being blocked or leaking.
Don’t Wait to Have Your Ducts Replaced
If your ductwork is faulty, it can reduce the energy efficiency of your home as cooled or heated air leaks into unconditioned areas such as the crawl space, attic, garage, or even wall cavities. Your equipment is going to have to work harder than ever before to make up for the lost air. Backdrafting may also occur if ducts are leaky, which is when contaminated air is sucked into the ducts and distributed throughout your home.
If you have noticed any of the signs of old or faulty ductwork in your home, don’t wait to call the professionals for repair or replacement.
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The HVAC system is tasked with keeping your home comfortable is often a significant investment. Like any major appliance, it requires regular care to operate at its best. At Schomburg Heating and Cooling, we believe that preventive maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your HVAC system, ensuring it runs efficiently and reliably year-round. Improved Efficiency and Lower Energy Bills: Regular maintenance helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. When components are clean and in good working order, the system doesn’t need to work as hard to heat or cool your home, which lowers energy bills and reduces environmental impact. Extended Equipment Lifespan: An HVAC system that is well-maintained experiences less wear and tear, reducing the likelihood of premature breakdowns. Regular check-ups can significantly extend the life of your system, delaying the need for costly replacements. Enhanced Air Quality: HVAC systems play crucial roles in maintaining indoor air quality. Routine maintenance can include cleaning or replacing air filters and cleaning ducts and vents, which helps to keep the air in your home clean and free from allergens and pollutants. Early Detection of Issues: Preventive maintenance allows for early detection of potential problems. Technicians can identify and address small issues before they escalate into major repairs, saving you time and money in the long run. Routine maintenance ensures the safe operation of your HVAC system. This is particularly important for systems that rely on gas or oil, as it helps prevent carbon monoxide leaks and other hazardous conditions. Join Our Comfort Club Today At Schomburg Heating and Cooling, we are committed to helping you get the most out of your HVAC system. Investing in regular preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure your system is efficient, safe, and reliable. Contact us today to learn more about our maintenance services and how we can help extend the life of your HVAC system. Don’t wait for a breakdown. Schedule your HVAC preventive maintenance with Schomburg Heating and Cooling today and enjoy peace of mind all year long.
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