How Air Ducts Impact Heating and Cooling Efficiency
Air ducts are one of the most crucial components of an HVAC system. An HVAC air duct is designed to move air in and out of the home. The health of your air ducts has a major impact on the efficiency of the system, home comfort, and indoor air quality. Malfunctioning air ducts force your system to work harder and can cut its service life short.
If your air ducts are installed in the attic, consider insulating them a priority. Every attic has construction leaks and holes. During the summer months, the attic superheats (an unventilated attic can reach 150 degrees or more). In the winter, temperatures can drop drastically. Cold and hot outdoor air slowly sneaks into the home from the attic, first to the ceilings and then through the ceiling. When this happens, your HVAC has to work harder and longer to cool/heat your home.
To combat this problem, have your air ducts insulated. The additional layer over your air duct system will trap conditioned air until it reaches your house.
If you are performing maintenance on your air ducts after a long time, expect to find fecal matter, pollen, dust mites, gases, asbestos, microbial growth, pet dander, and chemical solvents inside it. Your air ducts will have to work harder to push the air past these obstacles. To reduce stress on your system, have your HVAC ducts cleaned by a professional at least once a year.
Damaged air ducts can pull down the efficiency of your system. If your ducts have leaks, air can leak into the unconditioned spaces in your homes, forcing your HVAC to work harder and longer than usual. A stressed HVAC will hurt your wallet.
Poor indoor air quality is a major problem in homes with leaky ductwork. Common pollutants such as dust and dirt particles, dander, and pollen can get into your system through holes and leaks. Once they are inside the system, your ducts will distribute these pollutants throughout your home. To prevent this from happening, have your ductwork repaired and sealed.
If your ducts are pinched or collapsed, they will restrict the flow of air into your home, reducing your HVAC’s efficiency. Your system will take more time to heat or cool your house, which means you will have to wait longer for your house to reach the set temperature.
Want to have your air conditioner serviced in El Dorado Hills? Look no further than South Placer Heating and Air. We are a team of seasoned HVAC professionals. Whatever the nature and extent of your problem, our team will come up with a sustainable and cost-effective solution. To discuss your heating/cooling nightmare with one of our HVAC experts, call (916) 246-2089.
