Ahh, ductwork, the unsung hero of the HVAC system! It does an incredible job, all year round, of carrying heated and cooled air throughout your house. It lurks within your walls or up in your attic, unseen and rarely remembered. But it is so important! We’d like to urge you to think about it now, and consider how it is doing.
But perhaps it’s hard to tell what sort of condition your ductwork is in. After all, you can’t see it. You certainly can’t see inside of it. So you have to be a ductwork detective. We’ll tell you the signs to watch for, so you can determine if your ductwork needs to be checked on by a professional and possibly replaced.
Inefficiency
It’s so common for ductwork to be damaged, deteriorating, or compromised that estimates suggest the average American home is losing almost a third of its heated or conditioned air to duct leaks! That means you’re quite likely to be paying much more for your heating and cooling than you should. If you’re concerned about your utility bills, or have noticed them increasing, a ductwork inspection is a great place to start.
Noises
Heaters and air conditioners do always make some amount of noise. But the ductwork itself should not. Whistling sounds can occur from the same thing that allows you to whistle with your mouth: air escaping through a small opening. And rattling or clattering can happen if ductwork isn’t properly secured into position. This can cause damage as the duct bangs into nearby structures.
Odors
If unpleasant things develop inside your ductwork, like bacterial growth and mold, or insect or rodent infestation, they can cause odors. Bacteria often creates a sour, vinegary smell. Insects or rodents can make smells like garbage or dirty pet cages. And mold has that distinctive mildew odor.
Some of these things might just require duct cleaning. But some of them, especially insects and rodents, can also cause damage to the ducts themselves, not just messes. A technician can follow up on the causes of odors and see whether cleaning, repairs, or duct replacement are necessary.
Construction Mishaps
Have you had any construction work or remodeling done? It’s very easy for any holes put in walls or ceilings to damage ductwork inadvertently. And the dust from wood or drywall won’t just settle on your floors—it will settle in your ducts, where it’s not so easy to clean by yourself. If you’ve been doing any home improvements, it’s good to have your ductwork checked on afterward.
If you have any cause to think you might need duct replacement in Brentwood, TN, make an appointment to have your ducts checked! You could be heating much more efficiently this winter with new ducts.
Covenant Heating and Cooling is your trusted resource for reliable HVAC repair in Nashville, TN. We are “Dedicated to the Promise of Serving You!” Contact us today.