Air Duct Maintenance: What You Should Know
In most homes with air conditioning units that rely on ducting, 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through the ducts is lost due to leaks, holes, or improper installation and maintenance. This means that your air conditioner has to work harder to maintain the same level of comfort, which can result in higher energy bills.
In addition, poor ductwork can also lead to uneven cooling and heating throughout your home, drafts, dust buildup, and unpleasant odors. This is why air duct replacement and maintenance are important to the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioning system and your wallet.
In this blog post, we'll discuss everything you need to know about air duct maintenance. From how often you should have your ducts cleaned, to signs indicating it's time for a replacement and more.
Why Properly Working AC Unit & Ducting System Is Important
A properly functioning HVAC system is a must for any home or office. Not only does it ensure the comfort of that inside, but it also helps to regulate the temperature and humidity levels.
High humidity levels can cause mold in your AC unit and in your home, which can be harmful to your health and anyone else breathing it in... including pets.
This, in turn, can help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Additionally, a well-functioning unit can also help to prolong the life of your HVAC unit. If you're system is not working as intended, it can shorten the lifespan.
Let's take a look at some more reasons why it's so important to have a properly working AC unit and ducting system:
1) Quality of Air
The indoor air quality is improved when the unit and ducting system are working properly. This is because the contaminants and pollutants are removed from the air, making it cleaner and healthier to breathe.
We'll touch more on this in just a bit!
2) Energy Efficiency
A properly working unit and the ducting system help to save energy as it helps to regulate the temperature in the home. This, in turn, reduces the energy bills.
If your ductwork is not installed properly or if there is a blockage and it's not able to perform in an intended way, then your HVAC unit will need to work hard. This causes more energy use, strain on your unit, and a higher energy bill.
3) Home Comfort
A properly working unit and the ducting system help to maintain a comfortable environment in the home as it controls the humidity levels, and overall temperature. This provides a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for the family.
4) Reduced Noise
A well-functioning unit and ducting system help to reduce the noise levels in the home. This is important for a peaceful and quiet environment. However, when a ducting system is not properly installed or if there is a blockage in the system, it can cause unwanted noises.
Maintenance can help prevent and remove any blockages throughout the system. However, if it's due to an improper install, then a replacement may be needed.
5) Improved Durability & Lifespan
A properly working unit and ducting system help to improve the durability and lifespan of the ductwork. Proper maintenance done on your unit can help prevent things from breaking, prevent and remove containments and rodents, as well has ensured that the unit is not overworking.
All of these can help to improve the durability and lifespan of both the AC unit and the ductwork.
The Impact On Air Quality
As we've already mentioned, a properly working unit and ducting system are important for maintaining good indoor air quality. These systems help to remove pollutants from the air and keep the air fresh and clean. Now let's talk about this in a bit more detail.
Poorly functioning units and ducts can allow pollutants to build up in the air, which can cause health problems for people who are exposed to them. By ensuring that your unit and ducts are working properly, you can help to improve the air quality in your home or office.
If your air ducts are dirty or clogged, it can cause the air in your home to be dirty and polluted. The ducts are responsible for carrying air from the furnace or air conditioner to the rooms in your home. If they are not cleaned regularly, they can become full of dust and debris. This can make the air in your home unhealthy to breathe.
If you think that they are dirty, it's time to have your ducts cleaned.
AND since the air ducts provide air throughout your whole home, it can also spread those pollutants throughout the whole home!
Dirty or clogged air ducts can even cause the following:
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Watery eyes
- Dry throat
- Asthma attacks
- Allergies
- Frequent colds and respiratory infections
Therefore, it’s essential to keep them clean so that the air in your home is fresh and free of pollutants!
How To Maintain Air Ducts
In order to maintain proper air ducts, it is important to have them regularly inspected and cleaned by an HVAC professional. This will help to ensure that they are free of dirt, dust, and other debris that can cause problems with the air quality in your home.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that the seals around the ducts are tight in order to prevent outside air from entering and affecting the air quality inside your home. This is exactly why many homes need air duct cleaning.
Air Duct Cleaning
When you're air ducts are full of junk, this is a major sign of an issue going on with your ductwork and/or AC unit. You shouldn't have to get your ducts cleaned on a regular basis because a properly working system won't build up debris and contaminants.
So if you have dirty ducts, it's a clear sign you have an issue with your system and it should be fixed!
Signs You Need Your Air Ducts Cleaned
There are a few signs that you can keep an eye out for that indicate that you need your air ducts cleaned.
- Mold growth
- Dust build-up
- Rodents or insects in your system
- A new home or renovation (due to construction)
- Higher energy costs
If you're experiencing any of these, it's a good idea to call up your local HVAC team and get them to take a look for you!
Air Duct Maintenance
Here are some useful tips for maintaining air ducts:
Check The Seals
The seals around the air ducts can become loose over time, which can allow outside air to enter the ducts. You can check the seals by looking for gaps around the edges of the ducts. If you find any gaps, you'll want to patch those up and seal them tight again.
Clean The Outside Area Of The Unit
The area around the outside of the air duct unit can become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris. This can affect the airflow through the unit. You can clean the area with a garden hose or a power washer to help prevent stuff from being sucked in!
Inspect The Ducts Regularly
You should have your air ducts inspected by an HVAC professional. This will help to ensure that they are free of dirt, dust, and debris. Additionally, the professional can check for any leaks or damage to the ducts.
Check & Change the Filters
The filters in the air ducts can become clogged with dirt and dust over time. This can reduce the airflow through the ducts and make it harder for the system to heat or cool your home. You should check the filters regularly and replace them as needed.
Hire HVAC Maintenace
It's a good idea to have a local HVAC company come out on a monthly basis. Monthly HVAC maintenance plans can help maintain not only the ductwork but the whole system. This helps to prevent things from breaking, ensures everything is running at peak efficiency, and prevents the build-up of contaminants.
Therefore, regular maintenance of your air ducts is important in order to keep the air quality in your home at its best. By following these tips, you can ensure that your air ducts are free of dirt, dust, and other debris!
Let The Professionals Do The Job!
A lot of people think that they can save money by doing the job themselves. However, this is not always the case. In fact, it is often more expensive to do the job yourself because you may not have the proper tools or equipment.
Additionally, you may not know how to properly clean the air ducts. As a result, you could end up causing more damage to the ducts. Therefore, it is always best to hire a professional to do the job. Typically air duct maintenance is not a DIY job.
Here at Thomas Service Company, we are known as a local trustworthy company that specializes in HVAC services. We have the proper tools and equipment to properly clean your air ducts and maintain them. Additionally, our technicians are highly trained and experienced!
Give us a call today and our friendly team will come out to your home and provide the services your home needs!