Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement Tips for Homeowners

When you hear “HVAC” you may only think of your air conditioning, thermostat and utility bills.  It’s important to think about another component of your HVAC system: the supply and return air ducts. Here’s how they work:

• The conditioned air is blown forcibly through the supply ducts to vents which are often on the floor or ceiling of your home.
• The same blower pulls air from the same space to equalize the air pressure and recycle the air.
• An air filter in the network cleans the air in the process.

Ducts are not pretty, and no one wants to see the ducts inside their space. They are almost always encapsulated in the wall, covered in the attic, or hidden in the ceiling. Because they’re hidden, maintaining and/or repairing ducts can become a daunting project for a homeowner. Our technicians have developed methods for inspection, cleaning, and the occasional repair that take this task off your hands. Here’s why you might need a technician to help with your Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement:

1. Your vents are dirty. As the air cycles and re-circulates through the ductwork, the air filter is trapping and removes dust and other airborne particles. However, dust that is not trapped by the filter is often deposited on the walls of both the supply and return air ducts. Should this dust remain, it contributes to the dust that deposits on surfaces and flooring. It also contributes to poor indoor air quality, which can trigger asthma, allergies, and respiratory illnesses. Prevent dirty vents by changing your filter regularly, at least every three months. This permanently removes the particles trapped in the filter. Second, have your vents professionally cleaned to remove the buildup of dust every 3 to 5 years.

2. Your vents are noisy. Vents are fabricated from sheet metal; very thin sheets are formed and molded to create the appropriate network for your space. When metal gets either hot or cold, it expands and contracts. Formed sheet metal will naturally pop a little as the temperature inside changes; you should be familiar with the sounds with day-to-day operations. However, when the sound changes, gets louder or includes a rattling noise, this might indicate a problem worthy of investigation. It could be that the expanding and contracting movement has loosened the joints, causing these new noises.
3. Your vents are smelly. If movement creates an opening in the ductwork, harmful pests can enter the vent and take up residence. The opening can introduce moisture to your ductwork, resulting in the environment inside your ducts being a dark, moist space with a lot of organic matter—the perfect growth medium for mold and mildew. While no one can see the growth, these fungi release spores into the ductwork that circulate throughout your home. The leading indicators for mold or mildew infestation are a distinct smell and sudden asthma or allergy attacks. Other pests that might enter your ductwork through openings include insects and rodents. These pests might or might not enter the home and the only indication of these infestations is an unusual odor.
4. Your vents are leaky. Not only do you need to be aware of what enters your ducts, but remember these openings allow conditioned air to escape. The blower motor is forcing air through and therefore forcing air out through these openings. This makes a difference in the comfort level of the space and in the utility bill. A symptom of leaky vents may be a typically unconditioned space, such as the ceiling or attic, being warmer or cooler than expected.

If you’ve seen any of this in your home, contact a professional for help with Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement. Dirty, noisy, smelly, and leaking vents need to be cleaned and repaired. These are not only annoyances but wasteful and potentially harmful to your family.

Have Questions about Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and HVAC Efficiency, schedule an appointment, or visit our Ductwork Repair or Ductwork Replacement information page.