Did you know that almost 20% of the air that moves through your home is lost due to leaky air ducts? A Leaking air duct is one of the major sources of energy waste in both new and existing homes.
If you think you might need new air ducts but aren’t sure, don’t worry! Keep reading to learn about five of the biggest signs your HVAC system needs an air duct replacement.
1. High Energy Bills
Does your energy bill seem astronomically high for some reason?
If you notice a 20% or higher increase in your utility bill and haven’t made any major energy consumption changes, you may have an issue with your air ducts.
If you turn your thermostat to a specific temperature and the HVAC engages, the house should reach your desired temperature. But what if it doesn’t? That probably means there’s a leak in your air ducts.
A lot of air is escaping through the leak, causing your HVAC to be inefficient. The inefficiency means your HVAC has to work a lot harder to heat or cool your home, which leads to higher energy bills.
2. Poor Air Quality Inside
Have you noticed a lot of dust in your house recently? Or are your allergies flaring up even when you’re inside? That could be an indicator that there are holes or leaks in your air ducts.
Gaps or holes in your ducts let things like dust and pollen into your house without going through the HVAC filter. The dust and pollen get circulated through your home and can cause various health problems.
That includes worsening asthma symptoms and allergy symptoms like a stuffy nose and irritated eyes.
3. Mold or Mildew Odors
Similar to how pollen or dust can infiltrate your home, mold can be a huge problem if you have leaky ducts.
Once mold gets into your air ducts, mold and mold spores are being circulated around your home every time the HVAC system turns on.
If mold and mildew build up over time, eventually you’ll smell it as it’s pushed through the vents. Mold and mildew can cause a lot of serious health problems and can also cause damage to furniture. If you smell mold, be sure to get your ductwork checked out right away.
4. Noisy HVAC Operation
Most HVAC systems make some noise when they’re operating, but if you notice your system is louder than normal you may have an issue. The noise could be caused by damaged fiberglass joints or air circulating through ducts with holes.
Either way, you shouldn’t ignore any strange sounds. It’ll only get worse, so it’s best to have them checked out quickly.
5. Old Age
With proper maintenance and care, air ducts can last between 10 and 15 years without any problems. It’s important to note that over time, the seals, joints, and seams of air ducts are vulnerable to damage.
This damage or deterioration over time can cause several issues for your HVAC system. Some of these include overuse of energy resulting, high utility bills, and poor performance.
It’s a good idea to have your air ducts checked at least every ten years and replace them when necessary. This will help you avoid major issues like pests, gaps, or even collapsed sections of ducts.
Have Your Air Duct Serviced by the Pros
Now you know what warning signs to look out for to determine if you need an air duct replacement. By being aware of the signs, you can save money on your energy bills and keep your family protected from mold and dust.
Do you think it’s time for an air duct inspection or replacement?
Contact the pros at Williams Service Co. today! Our qualified HVAC technicians are here to help with all your HVAC needs.