Ductwork issues are by far one of the most common energy loss problems with today’s HVAC systems. When systems are older, it is easier for them to develop leaks or get obstructions by foreign objects. When these problems occur, you are wasting the energy that is needed to power the HVAC system, because a lot of your conditioned air is getting out in your basement or attic before it enters the actual living space.
In addition to wasted energy, your system will have to work harder to produce the same climate in your house, causing you to spend more money on energy bills. The best thing you could do is figure out where you have issues and have them taken care of right away.
The possible list of problems is long. Included in this list is the possibility that your duct joints may have come loose, or torn. If this happens your heated/cooled air is escaping. Your ductwork may also become obstructed for one of many reasons.
For example, if your filter hasn’t been changed in a while, it may actually begin to fall apart. If this happens, some of the filter may get sucked into the system, causing issues with air circulation. As a homeowner, you do not have any way of fixing this unless you can see the obstruction and remove it yourself.
Another common problem with obstructions involves the return vent. Sometimes, especially if it is in the floor, something may fall inside the vent. The duct could become blocked and the air could be forced out somewhere else, causing another potential problem. The air has to go somewhere and will eventually create a path in the weakest spot of the ductwork.
Ideally, your ductwork should be inspected every year by a qualified HVAC contractor, such as Around The Clock Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. We can detect leaks throughout your entire system. If you don’t, you could be wasting money and not even know it.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductwork issues and other HVAC topics, downloadour free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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