In the human body, the heart pumps blood to the organs and limbs. Your home has a similar network. When your AC installation produces cold air, the ducts take it to the vents in each room.
Normally, this process happens in the background. However, ductwork issues can sometimes become problematic, leading to weaker AC performance after installation. Because of how essential your ducts are for energy efficiency, comfort, and respiratory health, it’s important to get these problems repaired as soon as they develop.
To learn more about the relationship between ACs and ducts, read on.
What Does Ductwork Do?
Your home’s ducts are responsible for transferring conditioned air to your rooms. The ducts are connected to your heating and cooling system. When your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is on, the air flows through the ducts and out of the vents into each room.
Unfortunately, pinhole tears and gaps can occur over time. When this happens, air can escape from the ductwork. The resulting pressure change can also pull in dust from your crawlspace or attic.
How Duct Issues Affect Your AC Installation
When ductwork becomes damaged, it causes your entire system to work harder. From performance issues to air quality, your ducts impact your AC installation in a few key ways.
Worse Air Quality
Because moisture, mold, and dust can get into damaged ducts, you may end up with these contaminants in your system. Inside your home, you may notice more dust and increased respiratory problems if your ducts aren’t working properly.
Poor air quality can have a negative impact on your air conditioner’s operation. If this dust and dirt get into your home’s air supply, it can eventually end up on the AC’s evaporator coil. Initially, this will cause the AC to be less energy efficient.
Eventually, the evaporator coil will become unable to transfer heat properly, resulting in a frozen coil. At this stage, the primary way to prevent a frozen coil in the future is to get it professionally cleaned.
More Frequent Repairs
Faulty ducts impact your AC’s evaporator coil, which can lead to repair appointments. However, this is just one way that malfunctioning ducts can increase your repair bills.
In a typical American home, around 20% to 30% of conditioned air is lost through the ductwork. Whenever this happens, more air must be cooled to replace the lost air. This forces your AC to work harder than it should, resulting in premature component wear and more frequent repairs.
Decreased Longevity
If your ductwork doesn’t work properly, it causes added wear and a shorter unit lifespan. Because of this, your family will end up spending more on HVAC-related costs than they normally would.
Lower Performance
In the short term, one of the most obvious impacts of having faulty ducts is on your family’s comfort. If part of your ductwork is crushed, air won’t go to the connected vent. While the rest of your home is cool and comfortable in the summer, the affected room will be sweltering hot.
How To Boost Your Home’s Air Quality
Luckily, there are straightforward steps you can take to improve your home’s air quality and maintain your ductwork.
- Duct Sealing: Our team can detect tiny leaks and seal them. From reconnecting joints to Aeroseal, we can handle all types of sealing requirements.
- Duct Cleaning: If dust and dirt are inside your ducts, your family’s respiratory health will suffer. Our HVAC technicians can perform a thorough duct cleaning to remove any potential contaminants.
- Duct Replacements: Even with the best maintenance and repairs, ducts may need to be replaced. Our team can evaluate when you need duct replacements or upgrades.
- Routine Inspections: A tune-up is an excellent opportunity for catching common HVAC problems before they escalate. During the inspection, our team will analyze your HVAC unit’s airflow, pressure, and performance to spot potential problems. If repairs are necessary, we will recommend the best course of action.
FAQs
How long does it take to seal ducts?
While it depends on your home’s size and the complexity involved, it typically takes us just a few hours to seal ducts. Once this is done, you’ll need to wait one to two hours for the sealant to cure.
Is duct sealing a good idea?
Absolutely. Once ducts develop leaks, your air conditioner has to work harder to achieve the same cooling performance. Besides raising your energy costs, this eventually causes the AC to break down early. Getting your ducts sealed helps you save money, improve your AC performance, and enjoy better air quality.
How do I know if I need my ducts cleaned?
If you need your ducts cleaned, you’ll likely notice dust buildup around your vents, mold odors, and worsening allergies. Leaks can allow pests to get inside, so pest infestations may happen. In addition, inexplicably high energy bills often occur if there are duct-related issues.
How often should I get my ducts cleaned?
An average home should get its ducts cleaned every three to five years. However, you should schedule more frequent cleanings if you have pets or smokers in your home. People who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues will need more frequent appointments as well.
Protect Your Home’s Ducts and Ventilation Systems
At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, our HVAC technicians are ready for same-day services, emergency repairs, and routine maintenance. We understand what Alabama AC installations need to function at their best. More importantly, we’re always on time, or you don’t pay a dime! To schedule professional diagnostics for your home, reach out to our team today.
