What Are The Signs I Need New Ductwork?

June 13, 2022

Air ducts play a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness of your heating and cooling unit and are vital to cooling and heating your home. Unfortunately, during HVAC maintenance and repairs, it’s common for air ducts to be ignored. This means that homeowners don’t pay too much attention to their air ducts as they feel there are other critical areas to check. This article discusses how to know if I need ductwork done and what are the signs I need new ductwork.

1. Uneven Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling should be even throughout your home. If you have rooms that are too hot or too cold, it’s a sign that there could be an issue with your ductwork. Several factors can cause uneven heating and cooling, but one of the most common are leaks in your ductwork. Leaks can cause cool air to escape, which will make it harder to keep your home cool during the summer. In the winter, leaks can cause warm air to escape, making it harder to keep your home warm.

2. High Energy Bills

Your energy bills should be relatively stable from month to month. However, if you notice a sharp increase in your energy bills, it could be a sign that your ductwork is not functioning correctly. Inefficiencies in your ductwork can cause your heating and cooling unit to work harder than it should, which will use more energy and result in higher energy bills. Also, if your ductwork is not sealed correctly, it can allow outside air to enter your home, which will also cause your energy bills to increase.

3. Poor Indoor Air Quality

If you notice that your indoor air quality is poor, it could signify that your ductwork needs to be cleaned or replaced. Dust and pollen build up in your ductwork and are distributed throughout your home when your unit is turned on. This can cause allergy symptoms, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

4. Noisy HVAC Operations

Essentially, your cooling and heating unit should be relatively quiet when running. However, heavy noises could indicate that your ductwork is damaged or has come loose. Banging, rattling, and other noises indicate that your ductwork needs to be repaired. In most cases, noisy HVAC operations are caused by loose ductwork. You can prevent noisy HVAC by having your ductwork inspected and repaired regularly.

5. Mold and Bad Odors

Mold and bad odors should not be present in your home. Likewise, your HVAC unit and ductwork should not be circulating mold or bad odors throughout your home. If you notice mold or bad odors, it’s a sign that your HVAC unit and ductwork need to be cleaned. In addition, it could signify that your ductwork is damaged and needs to be replaced. Ignoring this problem can cause mold to spread throughout your home, which can be a health hazard.

Conclusion

If you detect these signs, you must call a professional to inspect your ductwork and make the necessary repairs or replacements. Ignoring these signs can result in more severe problems, such as a complete breakdown of your heating and cooling system. Contact Kenny’s Air Conditioning & Heating Services, Inc. for your ductwork needs.