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If You Notice These Signs, You Have A Ductwork Problem

If You Notice These Signs, You Have A Ductwork ProblemA ductwork problem in your home may substantially increase your energy bills, increase the workload on your heating and cooling systems, and cause significant discomfort for you and your family.

Perhaps you’ve experienced some of these issues that are common with inefficient duct systems:

  • Rattling, clamoring and banging noises
  • Disjointed ducts, holes, leaks and/or tangled flexible ducts
  • A suspicious increase in utility bills
  • Loss of conditioned air through uninsulated ducts in the basement, attic or crawl space
  • Unequal air pressure from registers and/or hot spots in your home

Repairing ductwork problems

If you have one or more of these issues, you have a ductwork problem. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may be well served by bringing in a certified ductwork HVAC professional. Specific issues that should be addressed include:

  • Loose, leaky and damaged ducts: Loose duct joints and holes in ducts may be repaired using mastic sealant, fiberglass mesh and/or aluminum tape. Tangled ducts should be straightened, and damaged ducts should be replaced. Don’t use standard duct tape; it will lose its adhesiveness with any application of heat.
  • Insulate ducts: Up to 30 percent heat energy can be lost to conduction through the thin walls of uninsulated ducts in unconditioned areas (attic, basement, garage, building cavities and crawl space). Insulate ducts in these areas. Don’t use building cavities as ducts. Ducts should be hard-ducted.
  • Air supply and return: Ensure firm duct connections at air-supply registers and return grilles. Properly sealing your ducts should balance air flow at the registers, providing more even temperatures in your home, and reduce your utility bills.
  • Duct noises: First, check your air filter. A filter that is completely clogged causes a pressure drop severe enough to shake and rattle the duct system. Other common duct noises are caused by loose connections at joints and registers, and by poorly installed ducts that bang against structures in your home, such as pipes, studs and drywall. Ducts naturally expand and contract with air-flow temperature changes. Ducts need a clearance of no less than one inch from walls and other building materials.

For a complete ductwork analysis of your Fresno area home, please contact us at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ductwork problems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

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