Your ductwork is your HVAC’s circulatory system. It’s responsible for transporting air from one part of your home to the next. Its value in your HVAC is indispensable as it aids in improving indoor air quality and home comfort. However, it’s often the last thing you think of when scheduling HVAC repairs and maintenance. Watch out for the following signs of defective ductwork that may be due for replacement.
Old Age
When your ductwork hits approximately 10 years old, its efficiency will decrease. Even with thorough care, the ductwork won’t be as effective once it has served you for over a decade. You’ll notice that the seams, seals, and joints have deteriorated, which affects the capacity of the ductwork to transport heated or cooled air into the designated rooms. This will result in poor system performance, higher energy bills, and discomfort. If you’re noticing these issues in your Hanover, MD home, it may be time to contact the professionals at Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating.
Dusty Home
Dust is almost everywhere in your home. But when you notice that the dust levels have become unbearable even though you’re still cleaning the same amount, it’s time for you to seek HVAC services. When the ductwork has defects, it allows dust from the outside to flow into your rooms. The ductwork distributes the dust to your home vents and lets it flow throughout the house.
If you notice that you or your family are exhibiting more allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and coughing, it could be because of excess dust in your home from dirty or damaged ductwork. For quality ductwork cleaning in Hanover, MD, talk with our talented duct cleaning experts at Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating. Our HVAC experts have experience cleaning dirt, dust, and other types of debris. We promise to leave your HVAC system functioning more effectively while keeping your bills low.
We offer fast and professional ductwork cleaning services to protect against dusty homes. If your ductwork is due for replacement, we will custom design and install ductwork suiting your needs.
Increasing Issues With Pest Infestation
Damaged ductwork also increases the risk of pest infestation. Ductwork with holes and leaks offers room for rodents and bugs to enter your home. Once pests find their way into your house, they can build colonies inside the ductwork.
Pest infestations must be addressed immediately because it’s a hygiene issue. If there is a pest colony living in your ductwork, you’re breathing in air that’s been filtered through their living space, which will introduce all kinds of bacteria into your home. Additionally, when rodents and bugs infest your ductwork, they can also clog the ducts, affecting indoor air quality. Clogged ductwork won’t distribute the needed air amount, upsetting your HVAC system’s performance.
Larger pests are extremely noisy and can damage the ducts, so it’s best to contact a professional right away. There’s a good chance that you’ll have to replace at least some of the ductwork, and it definitely will need a thorough cleaning.
Obstructed Ductwork
Another common sign of ductwork due for replacement is kinking or obstruction. A kinked duct system affects airflow throughout your home. The causes of this damage will vary. Your ductwork may become obstructed when heavy items like a tree branch or rock fall on it. If you’ve recently done any home renovations, a wood or insulation could have come dislodged and blocked the vent. Such objects falling on your ductwork can also leave it with leaks and holes. Ducts in the attic, basement, or garage tend to have such issues because they are exposed.
Mold and Odors
Foul odors and mold growth are also issues common with damaged ducts. Mold growth occurs in the ductwork when moisture and condensation proliferate inside. Leaky ductwork will allow water and dust in, creating a breeding ground for mold. Whenever the HVAC system powers on, it will spread the foul odors and mold spores to all rooms in your house, which can lead to respiratory issues and serious allergies. If your HVAC system has mold-like or foul smells, you have to get it checked. One of our HVAC technicians may need to replace the damaged and old ductwork to curb such issues.
Uneven Cooling and Heating
Defective ductwork that’s due for replacement also affects your HVAC system’s heating and cooling capacity. Once the ductwork has issues, you’ll note that some rooms receive more heat than others. You might note that some areas aren’t evenly conditioned. That happens because the ductwork does not distribute enough air to these parts of your home.
The easy way to tell if the HVAC is heating your home unevenly is by testing the temperatures in different rooms with an indoor thermometer, available at any home improvement store. Uneven heating and cooling issues need to be addressed promptly, and getting new ductwork is one of the best solutions. That’s especially true if the ductwork has leaks and holes that cause air loss or if the ductwork is obstructed.
Increased Energy Bills
Defects in the air duct create dozens of other problems. When the ductwork cannot supply enough air because of clogs or old age, your HVAC system has to overwork. When the ductwork loses heated air, the HVAC unit has to run longer to boost your indoor comfort.
Ductworks losing over 20% of air often affect the unit’s efficiency. Even when the thermostat setting is higher, it will take longer to achieve desired indoor temperatures. The inefficiency of the HVAC system translates to an increase in energy bills. That said, if your bills are high and you’re sure your HVAC system is okay, you should get the ductwork checked and replaced.
Noisy Operation
It is normal for the HVAC unit to make some noises when operating. Yet when it makes louder rattling noises that disturb your household or if there are new noises, it indicates a problem. The problem could be in your HVAC unit. But if you’re sure the HVAC has no issues, you should get the ductwork inspected. Rattling noises are often caused by ductwork that has come loose and is vibrating within the walls.
Recent Renovations
If you have recently had work done on your home, there’s a good chance that your ductwork will need to be updated to accommodate your new space. Bringing in an HVAC professional after a home renovation for a system inspection will ensure that your ducts haven’t been damaged or obstructed by the construction. It’s best to hire an HVAC contractor like the professionals at Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating to work along with the construction company. Your new space will need to be climate-controlled, and depending on the size of the addition, you may need to install a new system. Some people prefer to use a heat pump or mini-split system in a renovation rather than run ductwork, and we can help you weigh your options.
We maintain, install, and repair whole-house humidifiers, air purifiers, and ductwork in Hanover, Ellicott City, Columbia, and the surrounding area. Our HVAC experts know providing award-winning indoor air quality and duct cleaning services. We even offer financing on approved credit. For premium-quality duct cleaning and replacement services, call our experienced techs at Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating.
