Have Questions About Air Ducts? We've Got Answers

What You Need To Know About Air Ducts

Homes with central air conditioning have one HVAC unit that heats or cools the air for distribution throughout the home, and it is through the air ducts that the temperature-controlled air is distributed to the different rooms and areas around the house for the utmost comfort of its occupants. This makes air ducts a vital component of every HVAC system.

Since air ducts are necessary for air distribution, keeping them in great shape is important. This means conducting regular duct cleaning to ensure excellent indoor air quality at home. But, like all things, they break down and require air duct repair. Here’s what homeowners need to know about the longevity of their air ducts and how to figure out if it’s time for air duct cleaning or a complete air duct replacement.

How To Know When It’s Time To Replace the Ductwork

Air ducts are built to last anywhere from 20-25 years - more if cleaned and maintained properly. Homeowners who are keeping track of how long they’ve had their air ducts should start to have their ducts checked for damage and prepare to replace the ductwork entirely once the existing air ducts at home approach this age. By this time, the air ducts may show signs of significant wear and tear and require more frequent cleaning or repair. In this case, homeowners should consider if the cost of frequent repairs is greater than the cost of total replacement and decide accordingly.

Damaged Air Ducts? Here’s How To Find Out

No matter how sturdy air ducts are, they succumb to some form of damage during their lifespan, so homeowners must be aware of some of the most common issues that plague air ducts and determine how to prevent or repair them. These signs include:

• Inconsistent temperatures - damaged ducts can sometimes cause some areas to be too warm while others are too hot. This variance is a sign of a duct problem.
• Weak airflow - If there isn’t enough air coming from the registers, this could be a sign of ductwork damage, particularly clogs, leaks, or poor air duct design and installation.
• Noisy ductwork - This can be due to unbalanced air pressure that causes whistling noises, strange odors, or even doors that close by themselves.

Signs of a Dirty Air Duct

Damaged and dirty air ducts often have the same symptoms, and problems related to one may be masking as the other. This is why it may be valuable for homeowners to clean their air ducts first and see if that solves the problem; otherwise, things like lingering odors, the presence of mold or mildew, and even high energy bills should tip off homeowners to problems with either a defective or a dirty air duct so that they can be resolved immediately and ensure that the quality of air indoors is restored.

About Easco Air Conditioning and Heating

Easco Air Conditioning and Heating have been the trusted HVAC solutions provider serving the communities of Conroe, TX since 1982. With decades of experience, the Easco team offers a full menu of HVAC services to meet every need. Their technicians aren’t just licensed experts but also reliable and easy to work with. With a 24/7 emergency crew at the ready, they can solve your HVAC problem in no time. Call them today for HVAC service in Conroe, TX.  

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