Your HVAC system includes hidden ductwork that’s dedicated to circulating air throughout your home. Ductwork consists of pipes or ducts that transport heated or cooled air from the central heating and cooling unit throughout your home. This allows your thermostat to control temperature and humidity levels in different areas of your home. Many Valley of the Sun homeowners are unaware that an HVAC system’s air ducts play a vital role in comfort and energy efficiency.
Air duct problems can lead to reduced indoor air quality, hot and cold spots in rooms, loud noises, little or no air flow, and higher energy bills. The following are some of the most common air duct problems homeowners can experience.
Flawed Design
You may be surprised to learn that many homes are built with a problematic layout of air ductwork. This is commonly seen when air must run through an extended area of the attic. This situation can be corrected by redirecting ducts to a more direct route to increase efficiency.
Poor Airflow
Another frequently seen air duct problem is inadequate airflow. Your HVAC system requires a sufficient supply of air to heat and cool your home. Along with having a direct route for ductwork, it’s also important to have sufficient return for supply ducts. Without enough air, your system must work harder and can’t produce as much heated or cooled air.
Blocked Ducts
Twists and kinks in ductwork can reduce airflow and decrease efficiency. Holes, tears, and gaps in air ducts also cause air to leak out. Leaking ducts can lead to contaminants from the attic or crawl space to enter into air within ducts that flow into your home.
Dirty Air Ducts
Dirt, dander, dust, mold, fungus, pollen, smoke, and other contaminants can get trapped in your home and continuously circulate through ductwork. This can result in poor indoor air quality. This is why it’s important for air ducts to be inspected and cleaned during twice-yearly maintenance.
Loud Noises
If you hear excessively loud rattling or whistling noises, there can be loose, disconnected, or damaged air ducts. Sometimes loud noises can be caused by other HVAC problems with fan blades or motors, fan belts, loose or broken components, or blowers. This is when you’ll want to have your local HVAC professionals inspect your HVAC system using diagnostic tools.
Call Bruce’s to Fix Your Air Ducts
At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we can evaluate your HVAC system, including your ductwork, to optimize your house’s comfort and efficiency. Call our certified Valley of the Sun technicians today at 480-968-5652 to schedule an appointment.
