The ducts in your home or business are hidden inside the walls, in the ceiling and or below the home too, so it can be easy to forget about them or take them for granted. It can be a case of out of sight, out of mind. However, without proper care, your ductwork might not be functioning at its very best.
For example, do your utility bills seem to be abnormally high in the summer and winter? Are there certain rooms in your home or office that seem to be very difficult to keep cold or warm during inclement weather? Perhaps a room stays uncomfortably stuffy no matter how much you run your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Fortunately, proper ductwork can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.
It's a good idea to call professionals to evaluate the ductwork at your home or business and make any necessary repairs. If it's been a long time since your last HVAC maintenance or service call, consider making an appointment for an inspection and to conduct any needed repairs.
Where Are Ducts Located?
Ductwork is often installed in areas that are difficult to access, such as in a garage, crawlspace, or the attic. When you don't have a good view of your ducts, it's possible that they may be tangled up or have kinks or have been damaged by animals. A professional inspection will quickly help determine if there are any problems of this nature.
Is Everything Properly Sealed?
A professional will have the experience and knowledge to properly size your ducts and make sure that they will work with your HVAC system. If you already have ductwork but an inspection reveals that it isn't functioning properly, professionals can take care of the problem by locating and sealing any air links or replacing rotten sections that have deteriorated beyond repair.
As the system ages, joints connecting the ducts may loosen. The ducts can be torn or punctured, or they may come loose from the supply and return registers. You will want to have a professional repair or replace damaged ducts and fix any broken connections.
Insulation Improves Efficiency
Ductwork that travels through areas that are unconditioned, such as in a basement or a garage can cause the system to lose heat during the winter and dissipate cool air during the summer.
As the system loses energy in the form of heated or cooled air through uninsulated ductwork, it causes the equipment to run more often and for longer periods. This is inefficient, wasting energy and money while also putting unnecessary wear on the HVAC system just to keep the occupants comfortable.
According to the U.S. government's Energy Star guidelines, sealing your ducts and then insulating them can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by 20 percent or more.
Keep Your Ducts Clean
It's also important to make sure that your ductwork stays clean. Arrange for cleaning service when you determine that there is accumulated dust and debris in the ducts.
Cleaner ducts make for much more efficient cooling and heating, and they also help reduce allergic reactions, keeping your family or fellow employees healthier.
Was the Equipment Properly Sized?
Your HVAC professional will make the calculations to determine if the system has been properly sized. When it comes to air conditioning, for example, a bigger system is not always better. Overloaded ductwork will not work as efficiently and will wind up costing you more money on your utility bills.
At David Gray Heating & Air, our knowledgeable staff has plenty of experience putting in ductwork and making sure that it functioning properly. For more information on how proper ductwork will help your HVAC system work more efficiently or to set up an appointment for service, please contact us today.