Ductwork is a part of your HVAC system that can often be overlooked. When it malfunctions, the problems may not show up until you have an issue with your air conditioning or heating. If you inspect and find signs that there is something wrong, then beware! There might be some ductwork damage happening in your home or business. The following are a few signs that the residents of San Diego should look for:
Loud Noise Coming From the Ducts
This could signify that something is obstructing the airflow and causing turbulence. If you hear any loud noises coming from your ductwork, it’s a good indication that something might be wrong. It could mean an obstruction in the airflow or that the ducts are loose and vibrating. Either way, it’s a sign that you should schedule an HVAC inspection to see what’s going on.
You can avoid the need to call an HVAC technician for more costly repairs by simply getting your ductwork inspected at least once per year. This is especially important if you have small children in the house, as they could stuff toys in the ducts. In addition, if you’re remodeling your home, be sure to have the ducts inspected as well. Construction can often cause damage to the ductwork, which could lead to problems down the road if not fixed.
Dust or Debris in the Air
If you notice that there is dust, debris, pet fur, or anything else floating through your home’s air, it might be because something is wrong with your ducts. This could indicate various issues but typically means that there’s an issue with airflow and pressure. If these things are appearing abundantly in your home, it’s a sign that you need to call a professional to look at your ductwork and see what can be done.
It’s important to note that excessive dust and debris could also be caused by other problems such as dirty air filters, so don’t automatically assume that your ducts are the issue. However, if you’ve ruled out other causes and it is still a problem, then you should take a closer look at your ducts. In addition to checking for debris, be sure to check your ducts for any leaks. Leaks can cause all sorts of problems, such as increased energy bills and decreased air quality.
Warm or Cool Air in Specific Areas of Your Home
If you’re feeling a draft in your home, it could be that there’s a problem with the ducts. This is often caused by leaks and can lead to uneven temperatures throughout your home. If one side of your house is always warmer or cooler than the other, then it might be time to call in a professional and look at your ductwork.
In addition, if you’re noticing a change in the air temperature, it might be because there’s something wrong with your ducts. This is usually a sign of a blockage or leak somewhere in the system. If you’re feeling hot one day and cold the next, it could be due to damage to your ductwork.
Strange Stains or Smells
Excessive staining around your ductwork could be a sign that there’s something wrong. Not only might this be unsightly, but it can also indicate damage to the system. It may not always mean some serious problems but just small issues such as leaks or dirty air filters. If you notice any stains near your ductwork, be sure to call in a professional and take a closer look.
In addition, if you’re smelling anything strange such as smoke or chemicals, then something might be wrong with your ductwork. This could also indicate a leak, so it’s important to get things checked out by a professional. If the smell goes away and comes back again later, that may mean there is an issue within the system that can cause mold and bacteria growth.
Your Energy Bills Are Increasing
If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have been steadily increasing, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your ductwork. This is often one of the first indications of a problem and can be an early warning sign that you need to get things checked out. There are many reasons why this could be happening, but the most common is a leak in the ducts.
If you’re unsure of whether an increase in your energy bills is due to damage to your ductwork, it’s best to call in a professional and have them look. They will tell you if there’s something wrong and what can be done to fix it. In addition to an increase in energy bills, you might also notice that your home isn’t heating or cooling as well as it used to. This is another sign that something might be wrong with your ducts and could be caused by several different issues.
Your Air Filters Are Dirty
If you notice that your air filter is starting to get clogged up, it could be due to damage to your ductwork. If there’s not enough airflow moving through the system, this can cause issues with dirt and debris buildup, leading to the filters getting dirty more quickly than they should. This usually means that your ducts are becoming blocked, which can be annoying and bad for your air quality.
If your filters aren’t lasting if they used to, it’s best to call in a professional and get things checked out. A dirty filter might not seem like the most serious of problems, but this can lead to several other issues over time.
Mold and Mildew
If you’re noticing mold or mildew buildup near your ductwork, then it’s important to get things checked out as soon as possible. Excessive moisture can be caused by several different issues, such as an improperly sized HVAC system or even damage in the ducts themselves. Mold and mildew are not only dangerous for your health, but they can also damage the structure of your home over time.
When you see any signs of mold or mildew near your ductwork, be sure to call a professional right away. They will inspect the system and determine what’s causing the problem. In most cases, this will require some repair work with the ducts themselves. In addition to seeing mold or mildew around your ductwork, you might also notice that the air smells musty. This is often an indication that there’s too much moisture in the system, which can cause several different issues.
Contact a Professional
If you notice any of the signs listed above, it’s important to get things checked out by a professional. There might be damage to your ductwork, leading to several other expensive repairs down the road. It’s best to address these issues as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming worse.
For more information about signs of damage ductwork and how to detect it, please visit us at Friar's Heating and Air or call us today. We also offer several other services in San Diego, such as air and heating maintenance and repair service, plumbing repair, electrical repair, and generator installation.
