The season is heating up, and that means your air conditioner will be working hard to keep your home cool and comfortable. But did you know that your ductwork plays a big role in how efficient your AC is? If you are looking for duct replacement in Houston
In fact, leaky or damaged ductwork can cause your air conditioner to work harder and use more energy, which means higher utility bills.
If you are looking for duct replacement in Houston, TX, then there is so much to know before making a decision.
But before we dive in, why HVAC ductwork is so essential?
Ductwork is the system of tubes that distributes conditioned air throughout your home. It starts at your AC unit, where cool air is produced and flows through a series of ducts to different rooms in your home.
Ductwork is usually made of sheet metal, fiberglass, or another type of durable material. But over time, it can become damaged or deteriorate, which is why regular maintenance and inspection is so important.
Now that we know a little bit more about ductwork, let’s take a look at some signs that it might be time for a replacement:
1) Your home is drafty or has uneven cooling
Now this one might seem a little obvious. But if you’ve noticed that your home is drafty or has uneven cooling, it could be a sign that your ductwork is leaky.
Leaks in your ductwork can cause the conditioned air to escape, which not only makes your home less comfortable but also causes your AC unit to work harder. In fact, according to Energy Star, duct leaks can waste 20-30% of the energy used to cool and heat your home.
If you’re not sure if your home is drafty, take a walk around and see if you can feel any air leaks. You can also ask a family member or friend to help you identify drafts.
2) Noisy HVAC system
If you’ve noticed that your HVAC system is making more noise than usual, it could be a sign that your ductwork is damaged. The ductwork that is coming apart can create rattling, buzzing, or whistling sounds.
When ductwork is damaged, it can also cause your AC unit to vibrate more than usual. If you’ve noticed that your AC unit is vibrating, it’s a good idea to have it checked out by a professional.
3) Higher than usual energy bills
This is the most common sign that homeowners notice when their ductwork needs to be replaced. If your energy bills have been gradually increasing over time, it could be a sign that your ductwork is no longer as energy-efficient as it once was. When ductwork starts to wear down, it becomes less airtight and allows the conditioned air to escape. This makes your HVAC system work harder to maintain the desired temperature in your home, which uses more energy and raises your utility bills.
4) Uneven heating and cooling
Do you notice that some rooms in your house are too hot or too cold? This could be a sign that your ductwork is damaged or not properly sized. When ductwork is damaged, it can cause Air Conditioning &Heating to be uneven throughout your home, which makes some rooms more comfortable than others.
It happens because the damaged ductwork prevents the proper amount of conditioned air from reaching all rooms in your home. As a result, some rooms receive too much air, while others don’t get enough.
If you’ve noticed that some rooms in your house are mildly comfortable while others are too hot or too cold, it’s a good idea to have your ductwork checked by a professional.
5) Smelling mold or mildew
This one is slightly different from the other signs on this list. While it could be a sign that your ductwork needs to be replaced, it could also be a sign of other problems, such as a water leak or poor ventilation.
When ductwork deteriorates, it can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Not only is this dangerous for your health, but it can also make your home smell musty.
If you notice a musty smell in your home, it’s important to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
6) Respiratory Problems
If you or a family member have developed respiratory problems since your ductwork installation, it could be due to poor indoor air quality. Your ducts may harbor dust, mold, or other allergens causing these problems. In some cases, the problem may be due to a blockage or leak in the ductwork itself. If you suspect that your ductwork is to blame for respiratory problems, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
7) Very Old Dutchwork
The last sign that it may be time to replace your ductwork is its age. If your home is quite old, the original ductwork has likely reached the end of its lifespan. Even if it’s not showing any signs of wear and tear, it may not be able to provide the same level of efficiency as newer ductwork. If your home is more than 30 years old, it’s worth considering a replacement.
Get Your HVAC Ductwork Inspected Today!
Ductwork is an essential part of any HVAC system, and it’s important to make sure that it’s in good working condition. If you’re unsure about the condition of your ductwork, it’s always best to have it inspected by a professional.
If the above signs indicate that your ductwork needs to be replaced, the experts at Take Air can help. We will inspect your ductwork and recommend the best course of action to take. We also offer a wide range of other HVAC services so that we can help you with all your heating and cooling needs. Whether it’s a repair or a replacement, we’ll ensure that your HVAC system runs smoothly and efficiently.
