air-conditioning unit being the heart of your home, then imagine the ductwork being the veins and arteries. That means if your ductwork isn’t adequate your air-conditioning unit is not working as well as it should be.
Basically ducts carry conditioned air to the vents, then takes return air back into the system and transports exhaust air and waste heat to the exterior of your home.
Inadequate ductwork can lead to the following:
- Dirty Vents: A dirty filter lets dust into the return air system and sends it throughout the house via the vents
- Insufficient Air flow: When you hold your hand to a vent, you should feel air movement. If you notice little or no air, you may have kink in the duct.
- Not-so-Nice Smells: Ducts normally deliver clean, scentless air, but a marked odor could indicate that an animal has made its home in your ducts, a common issue in South Florida. Musty aromas can come from mold growth in which case a professional should be called.
- Hot and Cold Spots in Your Home: Is your living room nice and cool but your hallway feel like a sauna? Ducts installed improperly can lead to unwanted temperature differences. A duct that’s too small for the room it serves or that becomes constricted can’t deliver enough cool air.
Just as you take care of your veins and arteries by avoiding foods with high cholesterol and exercising, it is important you maintain your ducts “healthy”. Taking care and maintaining adequate ductwork includes cleaning and sealing.
Cleaning: Professional duct cleaning uses specialized equipment, including vacuums, forced air, chemical solutions and other tools to clean your system. Dust build-up can limit the efficiency of your system. It is also recommended cleaning if you see mold growth or heavy accumulation of dirt or dust around air vents.
Sealing: By properly insulating and sealing ducts, you reduce the amount of cool air lost in your attic or basement which can essential lower your utility bill. Think about sealing as creating an extra barrier that protects the system from animal or insect invasions and protects your system from the ventilation network and potential pollutants.
Is your ductwork adequate? Make sure your air-conditioning unit is working with adequate ductwork so that your home’s “heart” can beat healthy. The air you and your family breathe should be clean and the perfect temperature. Having inadequate duct work can lead to real-life health issues and essentially damage your unit.