Out of sight, out of mind. That’s how most homeowners feel about their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ductwork given its location behind walls and above ceilings. You can’t afford, however, to take it for granted. Heating and cooling power is reduced by 25% even in a properly sealed system as air from a central unit is distributed via ductwork throughout your home. Any duct leaks can reduce efficiency by another 25–40%. Given this, we’ll go over the three most common signs you need duct sealing below.
3 SIGNS YOU NEED DUCT SEALING
You may be tempted to think there’s nothing more to sealing ducts than finding a hole and wrapping duct tape around it. It’s not that simple, however, given where ductwork is placed throughout your home. Plus, causes of leaks include loose or faulty hardware that needs to be replaced. No matter what, you’re better off contacting an expert for any of your needs regarding duct sealing in Portland, OR.
1. HIGHER UTILITY BILLS
One sign of leaks in your ductwork can be higher utility bills as your system will have to work harder to produce the same amount of heating and cooling power. We all expect bigger bills when temperatures are high or low for extended periods of time, but all other factors being equal, higher month-over-month bills can indicate ductwork needing to be sealed.
This is also why you’ll need a complete inspection of your system. Increased bills can also be caused by other component problems such as faulty cooling coils, a failing compressor, or low refrigerant. Or you could have a combination of duct leaks and one or more of these problems, especially if your HVAC system is not serviced regularly.
2. INCONSISTENT ROOM TEMPERATURES
With correctly installed ductwork, room temperatures should be consistent throughout your home. A lack of that can be a sign of duct leaks. You may try to deal with this by raising or lowering the thermostat to achieve the temperature you want in one area or by adjusting vents in individual rooms. This is not a good plan as airflow pressure within ductwork will become out of balance and force your HVAC system to work harder than it should.
3. POOR AIR QUALITY
Do you still have musty-smelling air even after airing out your home? Is condensation regularly collecting on the inside of windows? Are your allergies or asthma flaring up more often? This may be due to ductwork leaks.
When duct leaks develop, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants can be introduced into your home’s air. Leaks can also increase humidity and allow mold to grow. Any of these air quality issues mean you need your entire system checked out to determine the best course of action.
CHOOSING AN HVAC CONTRACTOR
Your HVAC system contributes significantly to your quality of life, so our motto is “How can we make your day more comfortable?” Don’t entrust the care of your system to just anyone. Western Heating & Cooling’s experienced technicians have the knowledge and skills to deliver the best service possible.
Get your ducts checked and sealed. Contact Western Heating & Cooling today!