Your HVAC system includes hidden ductwork that\u2019s dedicated to circulating air throughout your home. Ductwork consists of pipes or ducts that transport heated or cooled air from the central heating and cooling unit throughout your home. This allows your thermostat to control temperature and humidity levels in different areas of your home. Many Valley of the Sun homeowners are unaware that an HVAC system\u2019s air ducts play a vital role in comfort and energy efficiency.<\/p>\n
Air duct problems can lead to reduced indoor air quality, hot and cold spots in rooms, loud noises, little or no air flow, and higher energy bills. The following are some of the most common air duct problems homeowners can experience.<\/p>\n
You may be surprised to learn that many homes are built with a problematic layout of air ductwork. This is commonly seen when air must run through an extended area of the attic. This situation can be corrected by redirecting ducts to a more direct route to increase efficiency.<\/p>\n
<\/b>Another frequently seen air duct problem is inadequate airflow. Your HVAC system requires a sufficient supply of air to heat and cool your home. Along with having a direct route for ductwork, it\u2019s also important to have sufficient return for supply ducts. Without enough air, your system must work harder and can\u2019t produce as much heated or cooled air.<\/p>\nBlocked Ducts<\/h2>\n
Twists and kinks in ductwork can reduce airflow and decrease efficiency. Holes, tears, and gaps in air ducts also cause air to leak out. Leaking ducts can lead to contaminants from the attic or crawl space to enter into air within ducts that flow into your home.<\/p>\n
Dirt, dander, dust, mold, fungus, pollen, smoke, and other contaminants can get trapped in your home and continuously circulate through ductwork. This can result in poor indoor air quality. This is why it\u2019s important for air ducts to be inspected and cleaned during twice-yearly maintenance.<\/p>\n
If you hear excessively loud rattling or whistling noises, there can be loose, disconnected, or damaged air ducts. Sometimes loud noises can be caused by other HVAC problems with fan blades or motors, fan belts, loose or broken components, or blowers. This is when you\u2019ll want to have your local HVAC professionals inspect your HVAC system using diagnostic tools.<\/p>\n