When a doctor diagnoses clogged arteries, patients know their circulatory system is no longer working efficiently, and changes have to be made. The same is true for your HVAC system’s ductwork. Ducts are the arteries and veins of your forced-air system. Any obstructions will dramatically compromise the system’s efficiency.
When’s the last time you had a duct exam? If you can’t remember, you may want to schedule a duct inspection before you begin relying on your heating system to keep you warm this winter. Here are some of the common problems associated with various ductwork obstructions.
Filter issues
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Dirty filters are the most common source of HVAC airflow obstructions. Make sure you change your air filters regularly, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This will increase energy efficiency as well as your indoor air quality. A less common filter-related obstruction is when the filter is sucked into the ductwork. This can become a fire hazard if the filter is drawn into the blower assembly fan.
Compromised ducts
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If your ductwork is older, or hasn’t been inspected in the last year or so, you may have duct leaks, insulation obstructions, or disconnections that are negatively affecting your system’s airflow. Leaky duct connections waste significant energy. Insulation can often detach from the lining of the ducts, or fall through leaky connections, causing obstructions. Flex ductwork has to be inspected for dents and collapsed sections that will prevent air from circulating effectively.
Zone dampers
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A zone system is a wonderful way to keep a tighter reign on whole-house comfort. However, the various dampers that control the flow of air can become stuck. If they are stuck in the closed position, they become ductwork obstructions. If they are stuck in the open position, it will compromise the heating and cooling in other areas of the house.
Dirty return air inlets
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The grilles in the return air inlets need to be inspected and cleaned routinely to avoid the accumulation of sediment and debris that can obstruct airflow.
Protect your Tampa-area home from ductwork obstructions by scheduling a duct inspection with Cox Air Conditioning and Heating. We’re the HVAC experts.
