A home’s air ducts are the passageways through which air is moved about a building. These ducts draw air out of rooms and through a temperature regulator and filter, then move it back into the rooms with the air quality set to the user’s specifications. They also are one of the parts of home we might not think about very often, as they are invisible for the most part. That said, they are as susceptible to breakdown and damage as any other part of a home and require the same amount of care. Know to look for these seven signs that your ducts might need repair or replacement.
1. Mold
Mold is a potential health hazard to anyone who inhales it. It can be found in moist environments, so it can find a home in air ducts where the humidity is relatively high, or where there is any buildup of water. Metal ducts can usually be cleaned of the mold easily, but plastic ducts will often retain it even after cleaning and must be replaced.
2. Tears or Cracking
Air ducts create a solid barrier to prevent air from leaking and losing temperature or quality. If you see cracks or tears in your ducts, you will be losing money and air quality over time and should seek an evaluation.
3. Extreme Age
While the asbestos problem is largely one of the past, certain older buildings still may have asbestos contents, particularly as insulation lining the air system. If your home is older than fifty years, and if you aren’t sure that it has had an asbestos abatement already, you will certainly want to pursue replacing your ducts.
4. Inconsistent Household Temperature
A proper air system keeps the entire ventilated area at a consistent, uniform temperature. If you are noticing the temperature is uneven, such as in the case of cold spots, there may be a problem with your air ducts and how much air they can carry.
5. Excess Humidity
If your ducts are compromised, they can allow an excess of humidity and moisture into the home. This is often found alongside mold, so be on the lookout for these issues in tandem when inspecting your ducts.
6. Improper Installation
There are almost always parts of ducts that are exposed to view. If you see that a duct isn’t aligned properly, or seems to be poorly sealed, it is worth taking the time to repair or replace it.
7. Debris in the System
The ducts move a lot of air, and your filter is meant to catch particulates in that air. If you are seeing an excess of dirt or debris around the registers, or if you are replacing your filter more often than usual, there may be a breach in your ducts that is allowing more debris into the system, and it should be repaired.
If you notice any or all of these signs then contact us immediately to perform a full inspection on your air ducts. Damaged air ducts make your ductwork less efficient and causes your AC system to work harder than it should to cool your home and ultimately increases your energy usage. Save money on your monthly energy bills, request an appointment today.