You probably don’t think about the ductwork of your home much, but it’s a very important part of your HVAC system. Whether you’re running your heating equipment or blasting the AC, all the conditioned air produced must flow through your home’s air ducts. These ducts carry the warm or cool air to the different areas of your house, ensuring an even climate and consistent comfort for everyone in your household. However, issues can occur with your ductwork. There are signs to watch out for that indicate problems, and professional assistance can provide a fix.
1. Uneven Temperatures in Your Home
When your ductwork is clean, your HVAC system should have no problem circulating air to every part of your residence. However, if the ducts leak or are clogged with contaminants, this will prevent conditioned air from consistently reaching one or more areas of your house. As a result, you may start noticing uneven temperatures around your home, often referred to as “hot and cold spots.”
If you’re regularly noticing that certain rooms in your house are colder or warmer than they should be, consider getting your ductwork inspected by trained professionals. Our ductwork experts at Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company will determine if contaminants or leaks in the ducts are the cause of your home’s uneven climate.
2. A Rise in Your Utility Expenses
If you’ve noticed your monthly utility bills rising without an explanation, there may be a problem with your ductwork. When your home’s air ducts are damaged, leaky, or overly dirty, it forces your HVAC system to work much harder to circulate conditioned air. As a result, your heater and air conditioner will use up significantly more energy while running. This will lead to a direct increase in your monthly electricity bills.
That said, you should understand that it’s normal to see utility cost increases during the harsher seasons. If you’re running your heater or AC unit more than usual, your household energy usage will rise. However, if you see a major spike in your utility costs without a matching increase in your HVAC usage, it could mean your ductwork needs cleaning or sealing.
3. Unusual Odors in Your Home
Another common sign of ductwork issues is the presence of unusual or unpleasant odors in your home. Typically, this is caused by the build-up of contaminants inside the air ducts. For example, if you’re experiencing a stale, musty smell in your house, it could mean that mold is growing in your ductwork. Also, foul odors can be the result of things like pest droppings, mildew, or other decomposing organic matter. If the unusual smells you’re noticing seem most prominent near your air vents or while your HVAC system is running, the smell is likely coming from the ducts.
When you schedule an appointment with our ductwork professionals at Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company, we will thoroughly clean every section of your home’s ductwork. We will completely clear the air ducts of contaminants, which should leave your house smelling significantly fresher. Plus, getting your ducts cleaned will greatly increase your indoor air quality. This will allow you to breathe easier and will make a massive difference in the quality of life for anyone with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
4. Dirty Surfaces in Your Home
Dust is perhaps the most common contaminant that accumulates inside air ducts. If you haven’t scheduled professional duct cleaning for several years, dust accumulation may be quite prevalent. Inevitably, when your HVAC system cycles air through the ducts, that air will pick up a significant amount of that dust. This will transport the dust particles directly into the air that you and everyone in your household are breathing every day.
If you’ve observed an unusual amount of dust floating around in the air and covering the surfaces of your home, it’s probably time for duct cleaning. If you’re looking to be proactive about keeping your house dust-free, it’s important to get your ductwork cleaned at least once every three to five years.
5. Strange Noises Coming From Vents
Have you noticed unusual noises coming from your home’s air vents or within the walls? Typically, these kinds of noises tell you that your air ducts need professional attention promptly. Oftentimes, when a home’s ductwork is having problems, it will result in strange sounds, such as hissing, rattling, or buzzing. These noises could mean that your ductwork has loose connections, air leaks, or even pests moving around inside them. Each type of noise may mean something different, but they’re all strong warning signs that the air ducts need sealing or repairing.
Our team can conduct a thorough inspection of your air ducts. If there are any leaks or damaged areas, we will find them and determine the most effective solution. This can include repair as well as replacement of certain section of your ducts. This will not only improve the health of your ductwork, but it will also restore peace and quiet to your home.
6. Weak HVAC Airflow
Weak airflow from your heating and cooling systems is another clear indicator that your ductwork needs cleaning or sealing. If your HVAC system seems to be having trouble pushing a steady stream of conditioned air through your vents, it could mean your ducts are leaky or obstructed. By having the ductwork cleaned or sealed, you can restore your HVAC unit’s clear pathways to circulate warm and cool air. This should make it much easier for your heater and air conditioner to always maintain a strong flow of air.
The Importance of Ductwork Cleaning and Sealing
Regular duct cleaning and sealing play a crucial role in keeping your home healthy, functional, and energy-efficient all year long. Over time, air ducts typically accumulate dust, allergens, and other debris, which not only worsens your indoor air quality but also forces your HVAC system to work harder. This can lead to increased energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear on your heating and cooling equipment.
Getting your ductwork cleaned by our team of qualified professionals every few years will allow us to clear the ducts of whatever contaminants have built up over time. Sealing these ducts prevents air leaks, ensuring that the conditioned air is consistently delivered throughout your home without a significant amount of it escaping. Overall, these two essential services play major roles in maintaining the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
Your Trusted Local Ductwork Professionals
When you need reliable ductwork services in the greater San Antonio, TX area, you can always count on our team at Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company. As a locally owned and operated company, we’re dedicated to keeping San Antonio residents comfortable and safe all year long. Our skilled professionals offer a variety of expert indoor air quality services, including duct cleaning, duct sealing, air filtration, air purification, insulation installation, and thermostat installation. Additionally, we offer a full slate of heating and air conditioning services, including maintenance, repairs, and installation. You can also call us regarding your needs regarding water heaters, Generac generators, and commercial HVAC.
If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us at Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company today.