Air ducts are likely one of the last items on a homeowner’s minds when it comes to caring for their HVAC system. However, air ducts are an essential part of your home’s ventilation; without them, your HVAC unit wouldn’t be capable of carrying air from room to room.
Although oft forgotten, your HVAC air ducts do require maintenance and even replacement. In this post, we’ll help you determine the signs that it is time to replace HVAC air ducts.
Similar to an AC unit, air ducts can last anywhere from 10-15 years with proper care and maintenance. It is, however, important to note that over time, air duct seals, joints, and seams are vulnerable to deterioration. This deterioration can cause a litany of problems for your HVAC systems, including increased energy costs, poor performance, and overall discomfort in the home. If you’re air ducts are at least 10 years old, it is time to have them inspected and possibly replaced by a professional.
If you start to notice that airflow in your home’s vents is decreased or not operation at optimal levels, it might be a sign your HVAC system is functioning properly. When ductwork is damaged, old, filthy, or clogged, your home is likely to suffer the consequences – high energy bills and discomfort due to lack of being able to regulate air temperatures. If you notice your HVAC system’s airflow struggling or depleting, it may be time for a replacement.
A sure sign that all is not well with your air ducts in your HVAC system is when bad odors start emanating through them. In the past, we’ve discussed what is causing that smell in your HVAC, and we feel compelled to bring it up again here. Mold is always a severe problem, especially if it gets into your ductwork. When mold penetrates your ductwork, harmful (and potentially fatal) mold spores are spread throughout your house. If you HVAC systems emits a foul smell, and you fear that mold may be the cause, contact a mold remediation expert immediately.
HVAC air ducts are designed and installed in a way to ensure that your home can fully benefit from the unit. Damages such as dents or punctures can compromise the integrity of the duct work and drastically reduce the efficiency of your system. Similarly, if your ducts are making a lot of noise during operation, this could indicated that there are punctures or dents that are inhibiting proper air flow from the unit throughout the house. If any of these issues arise, it is recommend you contact an HVAC professional immediately for an inspection and possible replacement.
If any of the aforementioned issues are present in your current air duct system, contact Austin Breeze immediately. With multiple years of HVAC repair, installation, and replacement experience, Austin Breeze is the HVAC company Austin residents trust the most. Don’t delay, contact us today!