How To Identify Bad Ductwork

Whenever you turn on your HVAC unit, air flows through supply ducts and out through return ducts. The air ducts that run through your home are one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. That being said, you may be surprised to learn that many HVAC units and ductwork systems are installed incorrectly.

Energy Star reports that “more than half of new systems in U.S. homes do not perform to their rated efficiency as a result of improper installation”.

Bad ductwork can lead to high energy bills, reduced HVAC unit performance, poor indoor air quality, and bad air distribution throughout your home.

How do you know if you have bad ductwork?

Here are a few common indications that you have bad ductwork in your home:

Air Duct Leaks

Look for cracks, gaps, and poor fitting connections around your air duct seams. If you think you may have leaky ducts, think about hiring an HVAC professional to ensure they’re properly sealed.

Relentless Allergies

If you find yourself suffering from allergies and other respiratory problems, it may be because of an excessive amount of dust from bad ductwork. Leaks in your ductwork not only leak air, they also allow dust, debris, and allergens in.

Signs of leaky air ducts:

Abnormally high energy bills
You find rooms are difficult to heat or cool
Rooms seem stuffy/uncomfortable
Your ductwork runs through basements, attics, crawlspaces, or garages
You find tangled, loose, collapsed, or damaged ducts

If you noticed leaking air ducts, don’t hesitate to schedule duct testing! An HVAC technician will be able to identify where the leaks are and will have the ability to seal them quickly and efficiently.

To schedule a duct testing appointment or to learn more about the signs of bad ductwork, call A-Abel today!