Most of the time, whenever there is a loss of efficiency in the heating and cooling system, we blame it on the HVAC unit. We spend hundreds of dollars on maintenance and repairs, but sometimes the problem still persists. You may notice that despite regular HVAC maintenance and component replacements, your energy bills are always high. That is probably because the problem is not with the HVAC unit after all. The problem could be with the air ducts. HVAC duct problems are more common than you think. HVAC duct problems can also cause a reduction in efficiency and lead to higher energy bills. Yet, the ducts are a part of the HVAC system we often neglect.
We will discuss some of the common HVAC duct problems below. But before that, if you are looking for a reliable HVAC maintenance contractor in St. Louis to inspect your ductwork, call us at 314-993-1110.
Common HVAC Duct Problems to Look Out for
If your HVAC system seems to be fine, but you are still getting insufficient heating/cooling or high energy bills, look out for these common HVAC duct problems.
- Damaged or insufficient insulation: The hot or cold air that is circulated throughout your house has to go through the ductwork. If the insulation on your air ducts is insufficient, improper, or damaged, the air could lose or absorb heat. This means you get insufficient heating and cooling in the house, despite the system seeming working properly. To detect these problems, an HVAC technician would need to check for damage in the insulation of your ductwork.
- Leakage: Another common cause of lost efficiency could be leakage. Cracks or loose joints in the ductwork can cause air to leak. This not only results in inefficiency but may also affect the air quality flowing into your home. Make sure that the ducts are connected tightly.
- Accumulation of dirt and dust: Dirty ducts can also affect the airflow through the system. Dust, mold, or other contaminants in the ductwork can also pose health risks by affecting the air quality inside your house. If your HVAC ducts are not clean, the air inside your home could be more polluted than the air outside. Make sure to clean your ducts at regular intervals to avoid this.
- Obstructions caused by bends or twists: The airflow through the ducts may also be obstructed if the ducts are not a uniform width throughout. If you have flexible ducts, it is likely that they may get pressed or twisted at the bends. The flexible duct may also be crushed by something placed next to it, causing an obstruction in the flow of air. To maintain the efficiency of your HVAC system, make sure that your ducts are not twisted or kinked anywhere and the air can flow freely through them.
- Poor design and assembly: Lastly, make sure that your ductwork is installed well from the beginning to avoid loss of efficiency. A poorly designed network of ducts or improper sealing of the ducts with the registers at the entry to your home can all affect the amount of cold/ warm air you receive. Get your ductwork planned and installed by an experienced and expert HVAC contractor to avoid such flaws and ductwork design mistakes.
Hire Experienced HVAC Technicians in St. Louis to Handle Your HVAC Duct Problems
Looking for an experienced and reputed HVAC maintenance company to inspect your HVAC ductwork? Galmiche & Sons has been in the business since 1950, helping St. Louis residents with HVAC installation, repairs, and maintenance. Get in touch with our heating and air conditioning experts to learn more about the services we offer and how we can help you have a more energy efficient and comfortable home.
