How to Identify Bad Duct Work
Air ducts are one of the most vital and simultaneously, the least visible aspects of your HVAC system. Every time you use your air conditioner or heater, the air flows through the supply ducts or out of the return ducts. If there is an issue with the installation of the ductwork of your HVAC system generally you won’t see it, but you will feel it. You can feel the effects of ducts that are undersized, poorly sealed, or improperly installed.
Unfortunately, improperly installed ducts are more common in the United States than most would like to think. Studies were done by Energy Star state “more than half of the new systems in homes in the United States do not perform at their rated level of efficiency because of poor installation.” If you have improperly installed air ducts, you may experience less energy efficiency, reduced performance, worse indoor air quality, and poor air distribution. Here are some of the ways you can identify bad ductwork and get it fixed before it has that much of an impact on your system.
1. Inconsistent Room Temperatures
If you are experiencing different temperatures from room to room, then you may have improperly sized ductwork or issues with airflow. This can be an issue that causes your energy bill to increase and can compromise the level of comfort in your home. Undersized ducts can cause airflow to be restricted. Because of restricted airflow, you may notice that the vents closest to your system blast air, and the further you get from the system, the quieter it gets. This can also be a result of damaged, disconnected, or kinked ducts. A professional can perform a static pressure duct test to differentiate and solve the issue.
2. Excessive Noise
When air moves efficiently, it is quieter. Improper pressure from improperly sized ducts can cause low-frequency rumbling. If you notice loud airflow or strange noises like whistling, popping, it may also be a sign of improperly sized vents. Alternatively, noises can also be a result of improperly sealed ducts or an obstruction in the ductwork.
3. High Energy Bills
Poor energy efficiency and high energy bills is usually a big indicator that something is wrong with your HVAC system. On average, 20% of heated and cooled air escapes through cracks in the ductwork. Undersized supply ducts leading to your living space can influence the pressure of their air and compromise the performance of the system. This can raise the cost of your energy bills. You will see that your machine is working harder to get the same result. If you feel as though your energy bill is more than it should be, it might be a good time to call a professional to examine your ducts. The energy bill can be affected by a number of variables with your air conditioner. It is best to speak to an expert if you feel there are any issues.
4. Allergies
Look for any cracks, gaps, and faulty or weak connections around all of your air duct seams. If you are suffering from allergies and other problems associated with an excessive amount of dust, you might need to take a closer look at your air duct system. You might have a considerable amount of leaks. The ducts in your air conditioner system are responsible for releasing conditioned air, but they may also allow air, dust, and debris in.
At Trust Heating and Air, we know exactly to look for and how to fix bad ductwork. It is our goal to ensure our customers have the most efficient and comfortable homes. If you have any questions or would like to have your air ducts tested today, give us a call.