Let’s face it, an HVAC system can have a dramatic impact on our indoor comfort, but it can be expensive to run if we don’t take steps to maintain and improve the efficiency. One of the best ways to boost the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is to schedule regular servicing for your system. But, an area of the system that many people ignore is the ventilation that distributes the treated air throughout our homes. The ductwork has a vital role in your HVAC system and if it’s damaged it can affect the performance and energy efficiency.
Why We Tend to Ignore Ductwork
When we turn on our HVAC system, we expect it to work flawlessly and we can take it for granted. Unless there is a problem with the heating or cooling, we don’t pay much attention to our systems. This is especially true when you think about ductwork because a great deal of this network is hidden out of sight. There are ducts running under floors, through attics, in crawl spaces, and behind walls. Visually inspecting the ductwork isn’t possible in many locations and if it’s leaky, cracked, or broken, it can cause problems. Like any complex system, ductwork can degrade as it ages and if it was poorly installed there may be gaps where treated air can escape.
The Dangers of Ductwork Damage
If your ductwork has poorly made connections, improper construction, leaks where air can escape, and poor installation issues it can be a major cause for concern. When the ductwork is in bad shape, it can cause a loss of performance, poor energy efficiency, and frequent repairs. One of the most common problems encountered by HVAC professionals is ductwork that has been improperly sized for the home.
When ductwork is not carefully matched to the size of the furnace, heat pump, or AC system, you may notice some immediate problems. First, the system will be noisy because the airflow needed for smooth operation is restricted or blocked entirely. Some homeowners may ignore this elevated level of noise and regard it as normal operating sounds. But, this is not true, if your HVAC system is running well, you should only hear the sound of air whooshing out of the vents. If you can hear any other noises, it’s time to contact your local HVAC specialist and get them to check the system.
Another problem with ductwork that’s improperly sized is that the reduction in airflow can cause uneven temperatures throughout your home. The treated air may not be able to reach all the vents leading to a lack of performance. You may notice some hot or cold spots in your home due to the airflow issues and this problem is hard to fix without professional help. HVAC studies have shown that improperly sized ducts, poor design, and a bad installation can cause a loss of performance up to 60%. This means that you’re paying money for higher energy bills and the performance is poor.
The final issue with an improperly sized ductwork system is the extra strain placed on your heating and cooling equipment. When treated air escapes, it can cause the HVAC system to work harder as it attempts to compensate for the lack of performance. When extra strain is placed on a system, it becomes more prone to failure, and the frequency of repairs increases. Components such as fan belts, motors, and the compressor unit will wear out quickly and can be expensive to replace. In extreme cases, the HVAC system lifespan will be lowered and this can lead to an earlier than expected replacement. As you can see, damaged ductwork can be a burden on your bank balance in ways that you may have never considered before.
Other Possible Causes of Ductwork Damage
Aside from improperly sized ductwork there are some other causes of damage to consider, they are:
Construction Work
If you’ve had some work done on your home, it can cause disruption to your ductwork. This is especially true when it comes to extensive home remodeling projects that may include moving non-supporting walls or lowering ceilings. Remember, there may be ductwork hidden in these areas and it can be prone to damage. Even smaller levels of disruption could shake a connection loose and that may allow treated air to escape.
Intense Temperatures
If you have ductwork located in an attic it can be subjected to intense temperatures during the summer months. This tends to occur when the attic is not insulated sufficiently to keep the hot air in during winter and vice versa. A badly insulated attic can waste a lot of energy, but the high temperatures can cause damage. The surface of the ductwork can become warped and more prone to air leaks leading to a greater reduction in energy efficiency. Another aspect of leaky ducts in these areas is that dust, debris, and other contaminants can enter the indoor air supply. This can lead to a drop in the indoor air quality or IAQ which can cause allergic reactions and breathing difficulties for people with pre-existing respiratory ailments.
Rodents and Pests
If you have a smaller crack or hole somewhere in the ductwork system, it may be possible for rodents or other critters to enter the ducts. They can make a nest there and their activities can lead to more damage. When critters leave droppings in the ductwork or even expire there, it can also lead to a drop in the IAQ. The air will be tainted with any animal related debris and you may notice a foul odor at your vents and registers.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are good reasons to be concerned about the integrity of your ductwork. Leaky ducts can release treated air that can overwork your HVAC system leading to an expensive repair bill or earlier than expected replacement. The IAQ may be lowered which will make the air unpleasant to breathe for everyone. Get your ductwork checked and cleaned by your local certified and licensed HVAC specialist today.