Ducts are a critical component of central heating and cooling systems. These systems cannot deliver warm or cool air to all areas of your house without properly installed, high-quality ductwork in place. If ducts are loose or completely disconnected from a vent, then the air is lost, resulting in inconsistent temperatures and wasted energy. For this reason, it is very important that ducts are being checked and serviced to ensure that your HVAC system performs well in any season.
But how would you know if your ducts need professional repair work? Keep reading to find out how to spot duct problems at an early stage.
Loud HVAC operation
Even though the HVAC system does make noise while operating, it shouldn’t be annoyingly loud. If you continuously hear strange noises while your system is in operation, it is a clear indication that your ducts might need repair work. Some examples are whistles or hums as the air flows from the breach. This often happens with the starting and stopping of the air conditioner or heater. Do not ignore the noise, for it can be an early warning sign of more serious problems.
Debris and Dirt Around Air Vents
Unclean air vents are very common and are often the result of leaky or damaged ducts. The dirt and debris around the air ventilation expose your family to allergens and pollutant particles and may result in respiratory problems. One should think of this as an immediate sign to inspect and repair your ducts.
High Energy Bills
The sudden spike in energy bills is another sign of damaged ducts. Damaged ducts interfere with your heater and air conditioner’s ability to heat and cool your home. Since ducts are usually protected behind walls or crawl spaces, leaky or faulty air ductwork can be challenging to locate. If you begin to notice that your HVAC bill seems abnormally high even if the system appears to be in good working condition, chances are much of the air may be leaking out. You should call a certified HVAC technician to inspect the air ducts for any damage and to find the root of the high energy bills.
Uneven Temperatures
HVAC systems are designed to be able to maintain the same temperature throughout your home. That means the air coming in through the vents in all the rooms of your house should be the same temperature. If you find noticeably cold or warm spots in certain walls or areas or general uneven heating or cooling throughout the house, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong with your ducts and you need to seek professional help to get it fixed.
Situations such as leaks, poor installation, faulty fittings, incorrect size, or obstructed ducts can all contribute to a tapering of airflow.
Should you DIY ducts repair?
You may think of DIY as an economical approach, but chances are you may end up with costly consequences later. Unless you know the HVAC system’s ins and outs, we wouldn’t recommend repairing it by yourself. Skilled technicians are endorsed for this job. Their training and experience play a major role in repairing your damaged ducts and safeguarding the HVAC system’s performance. The best thing you can do is check and replace your air filters regularly and keep the air vents clean. For more complicated tasks, we would recommend calling an expert.
By doing so, you can even protect the warranties of new equipment. Most manufacturers don’t take responsibility for the malfunction or failure resulting from DIY work. There is a high possibility that you could breach your warranty’s contractual agreement if you attempt a repair by yourself.
Personal safety is also a major concern. HVAC systems are outfitted with high-voltage electrical circuits that may cause serious injury. For your own safety, steer clear and let the professionals do the job.