According to Energy Star, about 20-30% of the air that moves through your duct system is lost due to leaks, holes or poorly connected ducts. This can mean higher utility bills, stuffy uncomfortable rooms and lackluster heating and air conditioning throughout your home.
At Champion AC, we know you have questions about your ducts and how to know when it’s time for replacement or repair and we’ve got you covered. Read below to learn more!
What Are the Signs I Need Air Duct Replacement?
Your ductwork is an essential part of your HVAC system, but it is often overlooked. The sooner you get to the bottom of your duct issues, the faster you can get back to AC efficiency. Luckily, there are some signs that can be a clue to issues in your ductwork.
Below are some common ways to tell if it’s time for air duct replacement or repair.
High Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed your energy bill steadily climbing, this could be a sign that you have a leak or block in your ductwork. Leaks in ductwork are common with simple aging and gravity. A home’s ductwork will last about 10-15 years and will start causing problems (like leaks) at the end of its life.
Blocks in your ductwork are just what they sound like. Because ducts are essentially passageways, lots of things can get stuck in them and hinder your airflow. Blocks in your ductwork can have several causes such as:
- Dust
- Pests
- Dirt
- Pieces of old air filters
- Loosened ductwork
Your duct system needs air to flow freely through it to properly heat or cool your home. When a block or leak happens, your HVAC system has to work harder to make this possible, resulting in your energy bill skyrocketing.
While it’s possible to clear out a blocked duct yourself, a leak will need professional repair from an HVAC specialist.
Pest Problems
Ducts are especially susceptible to any number of pests whether it be snakes, insects or rodents. Animals like to hide in dark, cold places like attics and basements, so ductwork makes a good pathway for them to roam around in.
The issue with this is that these pests can cause damage to your ducts and sometimes perish in them, leaving you with bigger issues than the sounds of their little feet running around. Pre-existing leaks in your ductwork will also attract bugs looking for a place to establish colonies.
Be sure to inspect your ductwork regularly by taking a flashlight to one of your air registers and taking a look around.
Sudden Allergies
If you or your loved ones find yourselves having sudden respiratory issues not related to a cold, your ductwork may be to blame. Also, if your ducts have larger holes in them, they may be letting substantial amounts of pollen and outside dust into your air.
If you suspect that your ducts are the cause of your indoor air quality issues, it’s time for a duct inspection to see if you have holes or leaks in your ducts.
Noticeable Debris Around Vents
Debris will be noticeable around your vents after a long period of pushing dirty air in and out of your home. The accumulation of dirt, dust, pet hair and small insects will leave small marks around your vents. Thus, signaling it’s time for a duct inspection.
Uneven Heating or Cooling
If you’ve noticed that one or more of the rooms in your house are cooler or warmer than the others, this could be a sign of faulty ductwork.
Your ducts may have leaks or holes that leave your ductwork system unable to properly heat or cool your home.
Try using an indoor thermometer to verify the difference in temperature. If it’s out of the norm, it’s time to call an HVAC professional at Champion AC.
Call Champion AC for Air Duct Replacement and Repair!
If you’ve experienced one or more of the problems above, don’t be afraid to reach out. Champion AC has proudly served San Antonio for years and we’d be happy to come take a look at your ducts to determine if it’s time for replacement or repair.
With that being said, our professional licensed technicians will give your service with a smile and get you back to normal as soon as possible.
Call us today to schedule!
