If you have ever tried to drink from a straw with a small hole in it, you’re aware of what a big difference a small leak can make. Now, imagine that same concept as it applies to your home’s ductwork. Even a few small leaks, let alone the myriad of leaks that can develop over time, will make a tremendous difference in energy consumption, whole-house comfort and air quality. Tight ductwork is one key to an energy-efficient home.
Make an appointment with a licensed HVAC contractor if your ducts haven’t been inspected in a year or more. The sooner your duct issues are addressed, the sooner you will reap noticeable benefits. The following are some of the most important reasons to repair or upgrade your ducts.
You may need new ducts. If your duct system is 10-15 years old or more, you may need a whole new duct design. Until recently, many ductwork installations were based more on cost effectiveness than quality or longevity. This has resulted in inefficient duct layouts that compromise your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Your HVAC contractor can inspect your system and use Manual D to determine whether a re-design of your duct layout is a worthwhile investment.
Energy Efficiency. Leaky ducts make it impossible for your HVAC system to circulate air efficiently. It also has to work harder to keep the circulating air at your desired temperature. This results in a waste of energy reflected in unnecessarily high utility bills. Ducts can develop leaks via rust and corrosion, the breakdown of old duct tape or sealant, or when entire sections become disconnected. A simple inspection and a few repairs can get most duct systems sealed tightly and working efficiently again.
Improved indoor air quality. Leaky ducts may allow dust, debris and allergens from unconditioned spaces to get into the airstream, compromising indoor air quality. If you do have duct leaks, your HVAC technician may recommend a duct cleaning before the repairs take place.
Contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning to address potential ductwork issues in your Lorain area home.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductwork and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area