Air Duct Repair, Cleaning, Maintenance & Repair

Most people ignore air duct repair as something they shouldn't consider. These are understandable since, more often than not, you focus on the main components, such as the furnace or air conditioning unit. It is important to understand that for an HVAC system to work efficiently, it is a network of interrelated and equally important components. One of the components of an HVAC system is ductwork. Your HVAC system’s ductwork consists of a conduit of passageways for delivering or removing air into and out of the HVAC unit. Ducts are commonly constructed using the following materials.

Galvanized Steel
Aluminum
Fiberglass Duct Board
Fabric Ducting
Flexible Ducting
Polyurethane & Phenolic Insulation
PVC Low-Profile Ducting

In addition to the ducts, there are other components that make up an entire ductwork system, which are the following:

Duct Transitions. Ductwork needs effective connections according to the shape and size of your home. Ducts don’t come in specific shapes to fit the needs of a home. Therefore, these need to be cut according to size and connected using trunks and transitions. Some examples of duct connections include take-offs, turning vanes, and cleats. This interconnected system of ducts and transitions creates a pathway to circulate treated air inside your home.

Plenum. This is a large storage box for air going in and out of the HVAC system. There are two plenums within the ductwork: the supply and return plenum. The supply plenum stores cool or warm air from the HVAC system, which is distributed through the ductwork. Indoor air that needs treatment gets pushed into the ductwork return plenum. Depending on how your HVAC system works, the air trapped inside the return plenum gets pushed outside through the flue or filtered back into the HVAC system to be heated or cooled.

Flue. Flues act as the exhaust which funnels air outside the home. The flue is often situated near the HVAC system, where harmful gases are produced.

Along with these parts, your home HVAC system's ductwork functions hand in hand with the heating and cooling components of your HVAC system.

The Basics Of Air Duct Cleaning

Even if your HVAC system is working properly, efficiency and poor quality may result from not maintaining your home’s ductwork. Part of your HVAC system's routine maintenance includes making sure that your ductwork is clean and free from any signs of damage. If you don’t properly maintain your HVAC system’s ductwork, you may need ductwork replacement or costly replacements. When should you clean your air ducts?

A number of factors can add to dirt build-up inside your home’s ductwork. Contaminants and other particulates enter supply vents and settle inside the ducts. When there is excess moisture, it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. You’ll be surprised at the amount of dirt and debris that accumulate in your air ducts after an entire season of using your HVAC system. If you don’t clean your air ducts on a regular basis, your family may suffer from allergies and respiratory problems. To know when it is time to clean your air ducts, you should watch out for the following signs.

Visible mold or mildew growing anywhere within the ductwork or in any part of the HVAC system.
If you notice debris left by animals, such as droppings, nests, fur, and decaying body parts.
When airflow is affected by a blockage in the ductwork.

When you keep your ductwork well-maintained and clean, you can expect to enjoy these benefits:

Improved air quality free from contaminants that cause allergies and other respiratory problems.
Improved HVAC system performance which helps in reducing the energy consumption of the heating or cooling unit. You will also notice increased airflow.
You can prevent extensive ductwork repair when small problems are spotted and fixed right away.

There are instances when the contractor may suggest using a chemical solution to kill bacteria, fungi, and other contaminants. Before agreeing to have the contractor use the chemical solution, inquire about possible side effects first.

Also Read: HVAC Refrigeration Process and the Role of Refrigerants

Signs You Need To Consider Professional Air Duct Repair

Without proper maintenance and routine checks, it is easy to miss out on issues with your ductwork that may require repairs. Unfortunately, any damage or problems with your air ducts that are left unattended can lead to serious problems. To determine when it is time for air duct repair, here are some warning signs:

Inconsistent temperature spots. Air duct repair is vital when you start experiencing inconsistent temperatures, such as cold and hot spots in different areas inside the home. If there are holes and tears in your air ducts, treated air will not efficiently reach the rooms and escape through these tears. Another consequence of damaged air ducts is the reduced efficiency of your HVAC system.

Strange or weird noises are coming from the air ducts. Air flowing through the air ducts can cause the ductwork to contract and expand. This expansion and contraction can cause the ductwork to produce occasional popping sounds that are normal. However, if you start hearing unusual noises such as rattling, it is possible there is significant damage that needs air duct repair.

Your utility bills are increasing. Your HVAC system will struggle to reach its peak efficiency if there are tears or holes in the ductwork. When this happens, your heating or cooling unit will also use more energy than usual. As your HVAC systems use more energy, you are also paying more on your utility bills. When you start noticing that your bills are higher than usual, have a professional technician check the air ducts for damage and other issues.

When air duct repair is sufficient, you won’t have to consider a replacement. However, there are some instances when air duct repair is not enough to resolve the issue.

When To Consider Air Duct Replacement

Air duct repair is a plausible solution for small issues with your ductwork, but when is it time to call your HVAC technician for a replacement?

The age of your ductwork. Average ductwork lasts around 10 to 15 years before major signs of wear and tear start to show. If your ductwork has not undergone any repairs or replacements within the last decade, have your technician check the system and advise you about replacement.
When you are getting a new furnace or air conditioner, some parts of your ductwork may require adjustments or replacement. New models that are not compatible with older ductwork will result in inefficiency.
If you really want to know if you need air duct repair or replacement, schedule a duct blower test with your HVAC company. The purpose of this test is to determine the amount of air leaking through the ductwork. This test should provide conclusive evidence of whether it is already time to replace your air ducts.
Before you choose an HVAC contractor to schedule a cleaning, repair, or replacement, take note of the following tips for finding a reliable contractor to handle the necessary work.
If you are already working with an HVAC contractor, you can inquire whether they also have expertise in handling repairs, cleaning, and replacement. By bundling several services with one contractor, it is possible to get a packaged deal and save money.
Always look for licensing, technician professional qualifications, and references from your friends and relatives when looking for an HVAC contractor.
Try to educate yourself about industry standards in ductwork and HVAC maintenance. By familiarizing yourself with these standards, you will know which organizations are responsible for regulating how contractors practice their trade.
Before letting a contractor clean, repair, or replace your ductwork, you should ask questions and understand the processes involved.
Don’t forget to get a written quote and contract containing the terms and agreements agreed upon. Each party should be clear on expectations, especially when it comes to the timeline for completing the job as well as the payment terms.

Remember that your HVAC system also depends on efficient ductwork to ensure proper working conditions. When scheduling a routine HVAC maintenance check, always include an extensive assessment of your air ducts to prevent serious problems.

If you need to have your air ducts checked before the upcoming winter season, contact our professional technicians at Fischer Heating for expert assistance and quality service, or give us a call.