Signs That You Need New Ductwork
January 30, 2022
Those eerie sounds you’re hearing from the walls in your house aren’t paranormal, but they’re certainly something to worry about. That banging noise? The whooshing from the attic? It may just be a few of the signs that you need new ductwork.
What’s a Little Noise?
According to ENERGY STAR, up to 30 percent of the conditioned air in your ductwork gets lost to leaks, holes, and bad connections. You rely on your ducts to move cold and hot air where you need it, and if your ducts aren’t performing, they’re just costing you money.
Your ductwork should be airtight, well-supported, and if possible, insulated.
Warning Signs
If you’re wondering if you need new ductwork for your HVAC system, here are a few of the key signs that you need to investigate further.
Low airflow
When your system kicks on, you should feel cold (or hot) air coming from the vents in your home. If you don’t, it may mean that your ductwork is disconnected at some point in the line and blowing conditioned air into the attic.
Electric bill fluctuations
If your ducts are leaking, that means that it’s taking longer for your home to reach the temperature setting on the thermostat. If this is the case, you’ll often see a huge jump in your power bill.
While this may be caused by seasonal changes or other problems with the system, you should check for damaged or leaking ductwork.
Constant running
This ties in with sharp increases in your electric bill. If your AC is suddenly struggling to keep up with your thermostat settings, it will run constantly. That costs you money and wears out the equipment. Check for disconnected ductwork.
Temperature anomalies
A striking difference in temperature from one room to the next can indicate a disconnected or leaking duct. If one room is particularly hot or cold, the duct run to that room may be leaking. First, make sure that the vent is open for that room, then check the duct to that room for potential leaks or disconnections.
Dusty rooms
Living in a dusty home may make you feel like you’re living in an old, haunted house. If you’re finding dust everywhere on a regular basis, it could be your ductwork.
Air in your home should be recirculated regularly through the HVAC system, where it gets filtered with every pass. If the airflow is bypassing the air filter through leaks, it can distribute dirt and debris throughout your home.
Weird noises
Poorly supported duct may make a thumping or banging sound when your HVAC system kicks on. The change in air pressure causes unsecured metal ductwork to flex and make noises. Not only is it annoying, but poorly secured ductwork is subject to further damage to the connections.