What Is Ductwork? Does Every Home Have It?
Imagine a central air conditioning unit. The top of the unit, which looks like a chimney, extends into the ceiling. Once inside the ceiling, the chimney branches into ducts carrying cool air from the AC throughout the home. Some homeowners are unsure whether they have air ducts. Well, if they have a whole-home air conditioner and vents on the ceilings, this is usually a good indicator that they do.
Air ducts last a long time, and they're fairly easy to maintain. Here, homeowners can learn about the importance of their HVAC unit's ductwork and what goes into preventing problems.
How Long Do Air Ducts Last?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air ducts generally last as long as the AC itself. They seldom need replacing because they're generally made with galvanized steel, aluminum, or another durable material. Still, a homeowner may consider air duct replacement if:
- There was a recent infestation. Rodents can chew through air ducts, and bugs take their tool, too.
- There's uneven airflow. Air ducts are, well, airtight. If there's a hole or even a small perforation, this could break the seal and affect how well the AC system works.
- There's a serious mold problem. Rather than treat the air ducts for mold, an air duct repair service may recommend replacing them in severe instances.
Nothing in life is guaranteed––and neither are the home's air ducts. Regardless of how new a home is, homeowners should still have their system inspected once a year.
What Are Some Signs of Damaged Ducts?
Dirty ducts and damaged ducts share many similarities. Yet, some signs that are exclusive to damaged air ducts include:
- Hissing or whistling noises. This could mean there's a component loose inside the ductwork.
- Visible tears. Air ducts aren't usually visible. Yet, if one can see visible damage or just something that seems "off," this could point to damage.
- Increased dust on surfaces. This could indicate debris entering the air ducts and getting blown out through the vents. Homeowners may even have to change their AC unit's air filters more often.
What Signs Call for Duct Cleaning?
A homeowner should consider consulting an air duct cleaning service if they notice:
- Musty odors coming from the air vents. Again, this could point to mold growth needing immediate attention. However, the mold could compromise the home's indoor air quality and cause health problems.
- Bugs crawling out of the air vents. This could mean that insects are living inside the air ducts. This can eventually lead to perforations and other issues.
- An increasing energy bill. An AC may work "overtime" if the air ducts don't effectively distribute air. Not only can this cause the system to overheat, but it can increase the home's energy bill.
Homeowners needn't worry about air duct cleaning. It's a non-invasive procedure that takes less than a day to complete. Moreover, once the ducts are clean, homeowners don't have to worry about making another cleaning appointment for years.
About Doctor Home Experts
The doctor's in! Doctor Home Experts, of course. These licensed and bonded professionals offer around-the-clock HVAC service to Pasadena, TX residents. They offer air duct cleaning, repair, and replacement––plus much more. One can call today to get started.
