Any ducted HVAC system will need to have properly functioning air ducts. Their malfunctioning can have consequences that go beyond just being uncomfortable. Damaged air ducts shorten the life of your HVAC system, lower indoor air quality, and increase your energy expenses. Knowing how to keep them in good working order is critical to your home’s comfort, your health and the performance of the HVAC system.
Impact on Allergies
There are a number of ways in which air ducts that aren’t functioning correctly might make your allergies worse. To start, people with respiratory issues may find that their symptoms get worse when dust, pollen and other allergens are able to flow more freely around the home due to damaged ducts. Airborne allergens can enter your home through leaking or cracked ducts from exterior sources, including crawl spaces, attics and even the outdoor air. This reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system in removing allergens from the air. Also, if your air ducts aren’t working properly, the airflow won’t be consistent throughout the house. This means that some rooms will have stagnant and unfiltered air, which can further exacerbate allergy problems.
Increased Energy Bills
An abrupt spike in utility bills is often the result of faulty air ducts. This occurs because air escapes through holes or leaks in the ductwork. To maintain the indoor temperature you’ve set, your HVAC system must run longer and more frequently when conditioned air is leaking out. This means additional energy costs. Damaged or improperly sealed ducts, which allow outside air to enter the system, further reduce the effectiveness of the HVAC system. Eventually, your monthly rates will rise noticeably due to this increased energy demand, particularly during months of extreme weather when your system is already struggling.
Excessive Dust
The attic and basement are potential entry points for dust if your ducts aren’t airtight. If dust is building up on surfaces in your home, it could be because the air ducts are allowing particles to bypass the air filter. You might find yourself cleaning more than normal due to how quickly the dust accumulates. It’s also important to note that when dust accumulates to an excessive level, it can clog your HVAC system’s components, hindering its effectiveness and longevity.
Uneven Heating and Cooling
Because improperly sealed or blocked ducts restrict airflow, some rooms may feel hotter or colder than others. Due to the compromised ductwork’s inability to provide enough airflow, rooms that are farthest from the HVAC unit usually experience the most discomfort. As a result of the uneven heating and cooling in different parts of the house, your HVAC system will have to work more to keep everyone comfortable.
Decreased HVAC System Lifespan
Leaky or obstructed air ducts force the HVAC system to work harder to maintain the proper temperature, which increases the load on it. The components will experience more frequent failures and expensive repairs as a result of this additional wear and tear. Over time, the cumulative effect of this stress can cause your HVAC system to wear out significantly faster than expected. This means you’ll have to spend money on replacing it far sooner than you would have had to if you kept the ducts clean and airtight.
Strange Noises from Your Ducts
If you hear rattling or whistling, it could be because some of the screws in the ductwork aren’t tight enough or because air is leaking out of tiny holes. Ducts that expand and contract due to temperature changes may make banging noises, which could be an indication of poor installation or worn materials. Damage to the ducts and reduced HVAC performance are two potential outcomes of ignoring these noises.
A Larger Carbon Footprint
You should expect to see an increase in both your energy bills and your home’s carbon footprint as a result of inefficient air ducts. Your HVAC system will use more energy as the components work harder and longer to keep you comfortable. The demand for gas and electricity rises in response to this surge in energy use, and both fuels contribute to the problem of greenhouse gas emissions. You’ll significantly lessen your influence on the environment and boost your home’s energy efficiency if you enlist HVAC experts to keep your ducts sealed and in good repair.
Frozen or Overheated HVAC Coils
The coils in your HVAC system are vulnerable to freezing or overheating if the air ducts are faulty. The system could have trouble moving air efficiently if there are restrictions on airflow because of things like leaks, obstructions or poorly designed ducts. If left unfixed, the system’s efficiency will drop and the evaporator coils might freeze. On the other hand, overworked coils caused by poorly functioning ducts can cause the HVAC system to shut down as a safety measure. Both of these situations reduce the system’s lifespan and may require expensive maintenance.
Mold Growth and Moisture Issues
Inadequately sealed ducts can allow warm humid air to enter the HVAC system from outside or inside the house. Once mold starts to form, it can infect your air ducts and spread rapidly to other areas throughout the home. For people who suffer from asthma, allergies or any number of respiratory illnesses, the health effects of mold development in air ducts can be devastating. Inhalation of mold spores can cause a variety of health problems, including asthma and skin irritation. Mold can even cause lung infections and other major health problems if you are exposed to it for an extended period of time. Dampness and mold pose health hazards, but they can also weaken your home’s framework. Rotting wood, weakened drywall and deteriorating insulation are all consequences of water seeping into walls, ceilings and floors. Fixing these structural problems might be quite costly.
Unpleasant Odors Circulating in the House
Problematic ductwork can introduce unpleasant odors from unconditioned areas, such as basements and attics. Dampness in the ducts encourages the growth of mildew and mold, which in turn further complicates unpleasant aromas. Odors like these can also be a symptom of bigger issues, such as bug infestations in the ducts.
The Benefits of Regular Duct Inspections and Cleaning
You can avoid a lot of problems that come with air ducts that aren’t working properly by inspecting and cleaning them regularly. If you have a professional check your ducts, you can find and eliminate problems like leaks and clogs before they become major headaches. Maintaining clean ducts helps keep allergens, dust and mold at bay, which in turn improves indoor air quality and lessens the severity of allergy symptoms. In addition to lowering energy expenditures and extending the lifespan of your HVAC system, well-maintained ducts contribute to overall efficiency. To further safeguard your health and the home’s structural integrity, routine inspections can reveal the earliest indications of moisture problems or mold growth.
Now that you know how faulty air ducts impact you, your home and your HVAC system, it’s time to schedule professional duct cleaning with 72 Degrees Heating & Air Conditioning. We also help homeowners in Apex, NC with mini-split AC maintenance, gas furnace installations, crawlspace encapsulation, and gas heating conversions. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
