3 Signs You’re Losing Money To Poorly Sealed Ductwork
Even though you can’t see them, your ducts are a major component of your HVAC system. Whenever you turn on your heating or AC, return and supply ducts carry air to and from your unit, which allows conditioned air to circulate through your home.
However, if your ducts are not installed correctly, they could release the conditioned air into your home’s walls rather than into your living spaces! Consequently, your system will have to work even harder to properly distribute air throughout your home. This wastes a ton of energy and causes your bills to skyrocket—you could be paying up to 30% more for your home comfort!
If you see these signs of poorly-installed ductwork in your home, it’s time to consider having your ducts sealed!
Leaks
Most ducts leaks aren’t visible to the naked eye, but there are ways to tell if your ductwork is leaking. Take a look at your air returns and vents to see if you can spy any cracks or gaps in the ductwork feeding them. If you can see visible gaps, air is escaping from your ducts. You may also notice a whistling sound while the air is running, a clear indicator of leaks in your ductwork.
These leaks will not only waste resources and money, but dirty air may also find its way in and compromise your indoor air quality. If you notice your allergies are always bothering you, or notice a large amount of dust in your home, it may be time to check on those ducts!
Uneven Temperatures
If your ducts are not installed correctly, you will likely experience severe airflow issues. Are parts of your home noticeably cooler or warmer than others? If the answer is yes, it probably means the air coming from your HVAC system is not being properly circulated.
If you shiver in one room and boil in another, it’s time to have an HVAC professional evaluate your ductwork for leaks or disconnections in the system.
Insufficient Insulation
Did you know that it’s just as important to insulate your ducts as it is your attic? If your system isn’t insulated, cold air produced by your AC will create condensation within the ductwork. This not only creates a damp environment that is ideal for mold and mildew growth, but it can cause your ductwork to corrode and develop leaks!
If you notice a musty smell coming from your ducts, it could be an indicator that they were not properly insulated during installation. Have a professional evaluate your insulation and recommend a plan to correct the issue.
If you suspect your ductwork was not installed correctly, give Hydes AC a call at (760) 360-2202. We have served the Coachella Valley since 1972 and are happy to help in any way we can!
