If you’re blessed with central heating and cooling, chances are you don’t often ponder the condition of your ductwork—until something appears wrong, that is. Maybe your energy bills recently jumped, or your home won't maintain a consistent temperature anymore, but whatever the issue is, it’s definitely caught your attention. At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we know that the efficiency of your home often hinges on the condition of its ductwork. If you’re dealing with any of the three issues below, give us a call so we can conduct a thorough inspection.
Your Home Has Poor Air Flow
If you feel like your HVAC system isn’t performing at capacity, the issue may be due to poor airflow through your ductwork. Decreasing airflow can occur for a variety of reasons, some of the most common of which include:
● Improperly sized ductwork. If your ducts are too small or large for your system’s design, they can prevent adequate airflow from traveling into your living spaces.
● Cracks, tears, and bad seals. As your ductwork deteriorates, air can leak out of the system, which reduces the amount of conditioned air that reaches each room in your home.
● Partially disconnected ducts. Improper ductwork installation can result in partial disconnection at junctions in the system, which causes your in-home airflow to diminish over time.
In any of the above cases, a professional ductwork inspection is necessary to locate the source of the problem. It may be possible to repair minor duct damage, such as small cracks or tears, but if the ducts are improperly sized or poorly connected, chances are you’ll need to replace your ductwork.
Age-Related Duct Deterioration
The average lifespan of residential ductwork is typically around 20 years, but after the 15-year mark, age-related deterioration and problems often ensue. If you’ve never replaced your ductwork, and the equipment is older than 15 years, there’s a high chance it’s suffering from moderate deterioration.
Any type of duct degradation can compromise your HVAC system’s efficiency, so if you enjoy maintaining a comfortable in-home temperature, you should have a ductwork inspection to assess the condition of your aging ducts. If your technician locates damage, sometimes it’s repairable, but in many cases, ductwork replacement is the best course of action.
Higher-Than-Usual Utility Bills
Have your utility bills gradually risen out of control? If so, the culprit may be duct deterioration that causes forced air to leak out of the HVAC system. When your ductwork contains holes or cracks, air can easily escape the ducts as it travels through the system. Air leaks force your heating and cooling units to work much harder than necessary to regulate the interior temperature, which dramatically decreases the energy efficiency of your home.
Unfortunately, the poorer your system’s energy efficiency grows, the higher your monthly utility bills become. So, if you’ve been watching helplessly as your bills skyrocket, it may be time for new ductwork. Contact an HVAC professional for a ductwork inspection to locate the source of the problem.
HVAC System on the Fritz? Contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating Today
Whether you’re dealing with defective ductwork or heating and cooling issues, our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating in central Wisconsin is ready to get your HVAC system back on its feet. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, if you need prompt, professional, fairly priced service, we’re the team to call. All of our technicians are trained well beyond industry standards, and to give you peace of mind, we also offer the best guarantees in the business. To learn more about our heating and cooling services or to schedule your repair appointment, contact our team today, or feel free to request your free estimate online.