Have you recently noticed a change in the temperature in your home? Your ductwork could be having issues. The condition of your ductwork is very crucial as it determines the overall performance of your HVAC system. Problems with the ductwork can adversely affect your home’s heating and cooling system and potentially make your home uncomfortable.
There are specific issues with the ductwork that can be fixed through repairs, but in some cases, a complete overhaul is the best alternative. As a homeowner, you may not be able to tell from the surface whether you need to repair your ductwork, but with the help of a qualified technician, a correct diagnosis can be made. You can always rely on Tarpy Plumbing, Heating & Air as a trustworthy resource. We provide reliable HVAC services to people throughout San Diego, CA, and the surrounding areas.
The Importance of Ductwork
The HVAC system in your home functions much like the human body’s circulation system. The thermostat functions like a human brain guiding the furnace’s operations, where the air is processed and released to the home. It is through the ductwork that air travels to reach each room of the house. Supply air ducts release fresh air from the furnace into the home, while return air ducts transport unconditioned air from the home back into the furnace for processing.
Therefore, ductwork is vital since it enables the circulation of air in your home. Adequately installed ductwork improves air quality, reduces strain on the HVAC system and reduces energy consumption within the residence. Your home’s occupants will benefit from improved air quality, which in turn, results in better health.
Ductwork that functions optimally can filter and eliminate pollutants. The air in your home will not have dangerous contaminants, germs, dust particles and allergens that can cause respiratory complications or allergies. There will also be improved comfort in your home when there is consistent heating and cooling with no chance for unbalanced temperatures throughout the space.
The size of your ductwork also matters. If the size is not correct, installation is affected, resulting in jamming within the system. This can cause strained functioning that can lower the lifespan of your HVAC. There is no doubt that your ductwork is the core of your HVAC system, and it’s as crucial as any other equipment in your home. It is essential to ensure proper maintenance and servicing of the ductwork and replace it if it is damaged beyond repair.
4 Instances When You Need to Consider Replacing Your Duct Work
Often, ductwork that is leaking can be sealed. Even when a section is damaged, repairs can often be made. There are some scenarios, however, which call for the ductwork to be replaced.
1. Bad Installation
Many people front themselves as technicians but may not have the required skills for installing ductwork the right way. When you do not engage a professional, you may have your ductwork incorrectly installed, thereby reducing its ability to perform optimally. Bad installations can potentially damage other components of the ductwork, such as joints. When you notice that your ductwork is not working well, call an expert to have it checked or, if needed, replaced.
2. Wrong Size of Ductwork
Each house needs a specific size of ductwork, depending on the HVAC system in place. If you install ductwork bigger than the recommended size, you will experience noisy operation of the system. When it is smaller than the required size, you may not attain your desired temperature level even if the system runs nonstop.
3. Aging Ductwork
Are you wondering whether ductwork has an expiration date? Yes, it does. Lifespan depends on the materials used in the design of a duct system. If you have not replaced your ductwork for more than 10 years, you should consider having it checked. It might be the reason why your HVAC system no longer works as it should.
4. Airflow Problems
Find out if the rooms in your home have a consistent airflow. If you notice a reduced airflow volume, it may signify that the ductwork servicing those rooms is disconnected completely or partially. Shrunken sections in the ductwork may also hamper the free flow of air into rooms. In addition, it’s essential to check for possible leaks or deteriorated insulation in the ductwork. These may cause thermal loss leading to temperature variations in airflow.
3 Tips to Maintaining Ductwork
An inspection doesn’t always reveal severe issues with your ductwork that warrant a replacement. With proper maintenance and care, you may save yourself the hassle and cost of replacing your ductwork. Here are some tips for preserving and maintaining it.
1. Cleaning
Ideally, ductwork should be cleaned every 2 to 5 years. After a few years of operation, ductwork accumulates dust, debris and pet hair that can clog it and cause a jam in the HVAC system. Periodically, call an expert in to clean your ductwork. You will undoubtedly notice an improved performance of the system and enhanced air quality. When choosing an expert to clean your ductwork, select a licensed company with positive online reviews and high ratings among users. That way, you are sure that your ductwork will be cleaned properly with no incidents or damage.
2. Sealing
Sealing can fix small leaks in the ductwork. You should regularly check for gaps, tears, twists or crumpled sections and seal them off with aluminum tape to prevent further damage. Pest damage and moisture accumulation are common causes of leaks in duct systems. Always look out for pests roaming around your ductwork and get rid of them before they can cause irreparable problems. You can detect leaks by conducting an HVAC blower test.
3. Insulation
Condensation can easily form on your ductwork when you expose a warm room to cool air. Therefore, it is important to protect your ductwork from moisture by mounting insulation on it. This also helps prevent the formation of mold on the ductwork.
Choose the Right HVAC Partner
The proper functioning and overall lifespan of your HVAC system depend on the resource you choose to be your partner for ductwork services. As important as your HVAC system is, you need to engage professionals who will ensure proper handling of the equipment, appropriate maintenance, effective repair and accurate replacement of components when necessary. Contact Tarpy Plumbing, Heating & Air in Santee to enjoy excellent customer service and quality outcomes. With years of experience in the industry, our technicians can offer dependable HVAC services throughout San Diego and the surrounding areas. Whether you need repair, installation or maintenance of your AC or heating system, you can count on us. We also handle indoor air quality and provide a full range of plumbing services, including dealing with water heaters.
We are the partner you need to ensure the proper functioning of your ductwork. Our technicians are highly qualified, and they will go beyond the requested service to offer professional advice and discuss your options. We allow no room for errors in our work because we know the important role that it plays in your home. Our competent experts will find a solution that meets your needs. Call us today and book an appointment.
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