Your air ducts act as the main transportation method for dispersing air throughout your home. However, air ducts are a very “out of sight, out of mind” home component. So how do you know when you have damaged ductwork?
We have created a list of signs to help you understand when the air ducts within your home are damaged. No one wants to deal with higher energy costs and decreased indoor air quality. Continue reading to learn about damaged ductwork and ways to fix it.
Top Signs of Bad Ductwork and Ways to Respond
You could be dealing with bad ductwork if you spot the following signs:
1. Continuous Dust Around Your Air Vents
Dust that keeps collecting around your air vents is most likely due to a dirty air filter. Air filters trap allergens, fungus, and molds that can negatively affect your home air quality. This is why air filters should be changed at least every 90 days, or when they are noticeably dirty.
When your home’s air vents stay dirty, dust and other debris buildup can impact your indoor air quality. Ignoring air vents for too long can lead to costly issues down the road.
2. High Energy Bills
Your energy bills will naturally fluctuate throughout the year depending on your heating and air conditioning needs. Although if you notice a sudden spike in your energy bills, investigate your ductwork. Leaky ductwork forces your HVAC system to work harder to deliver comfortable temperatures.
If you are unsure about what is causing your high energy bills, we encourage you to reach out to our professionals at AccuTemp.
3. Strange Noises
Hearing unusual grinding and metallic noises coming from your air ducts? This typically means metal parts are grinding together and is a sign that usually ends in a replacement. Booming or popping noises when the HVAC unit is turned on generally indicate ill-fitting or improperly installed ductwork. All strange noises require professional assistance to solve the issue.
4. Uneven Air Circulation
If you are noticing a difference in temperature between rooms, this is an indicator of damaged ductwork. Your HVAC system should maintain consistent temperatures throughout the home, not just some of the rooms. Additionally, closing off vents in rooms without anyone in them can cause uneven air pressure that can lead to more strain on the HVAC unit.
5. Restricted Airflow
One of the most frustrating issues you can have in your home is a lack of airflow. When it’s summertime and the temperatures are through the roof, a restricted airflow can make indoor temperatures unbearable.
Whether it’s due to a broken seal, cracks and tears, or disconnected or crushed ducts, bad ductwork forces the system to overwork itself. This leads to more issues like restricted airflow. Don’t put off fixing your home’s damaged ductwork any longer.
6. Mold or Mildew Odors
Mold and mildew growth is a danger to the occupants in your home that shouldn’t be ignored. Mold and mildew can manifest on the outside of your ductwork due to condensation, which stems from poor insulation.
Mold is considered an emergency because it can cause a variety of respiratory issues for those within the home. Whether you smell musty odors or see mold growing on the exterior of your ductwork, contact a licensed HVAC contractor quickly.
7. Pest Infestations
Another annoyance associated with ductwork damage is pest infestations. Pests are commonly found in warm, dark places, making air ducts a perfect place for them to burrow. It’s important to get professional help for pests nesting in your ductwork before they get out of hand.
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8. Visible Damage
One of the easier signs to spot is visible damage on your ductwork. Like many other home components, ductwork sustains wear and tear over time. Ductwork replacement becomes a more effective solution around the 15-year range. To mitigate further damage to your air ducts, make sure there are no large or heavy items leaning against them.
9. Walls are Showing Cracks
Damaged ductwork also has the potential to damage the walls surrounding them. This is typically caused by improperly sealed piping and can even cause structural damage to your home. In serious cases, the removal of the ductwork may be necessary.
10. Rotted Sheetrock
Leaking and damaged ductwork can also compromise the sheetrock around them. The sheetrock will begin to rot due to excessive moisture caused by leaking and damaged ductwork. This issue can lead to mold growth and structural damage. If you notice your home’s sheetrock is rotting or damaged, get in touch with our HVAC professionals to receive support.
Professional Air Duct Repair Services in Baton Rouge and New Orleans
If you have bad ductwork in your house, call our team at (225) 238-8495 to receive support. Our technicians provide reputable air duct repair services in New Orleans and other areas throughout Louisiana. We also provide fast and affordable duct cleaning services and are committed to helping you improve your indoor air quality.
The team of professionals at AccuTemp have the effective solutions needed to restore comfort throughout your house. In addition to air duct repair options, our staff also provides a variety of other types of trustworthy HVAC services such as furnace installation, air conditioning replacement, heat pump installation, and zone control system configuration.
Don’t avoid those signs that indicate your home’s ductwork is damaged any longer and contact AccuTemp today.
