The HVAC duct system plays a critical role in promoting indoor comfort. It circulates warm or cool air throughout a home and prevents contamination from outdoor contaminants. The location and condition of the ducts can determine the efficiency of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Therefore, if you notice unusual performance with your system, the ductwork may be the culprit. Below are the signs that indicate you need ductwork repairs.

Performance Issues With New Ductwork

If you are experiencing inefficiencies with a new ducted system, the problem probably lies with the ductwork. Poor ductwork installation can cause airflow problems, warm and cold spots in the home, and uneven cooling. Some problems associated with ductwork installation include:

• Poor choice of location: Ducts should be installed in insulated or heated and conditioned spaces to prevent heat exchange. If you install your ducts in an uninsulated basement or garage, the ducts will lose or gain heat, leading to heating and cooling inefficiencies.
• Kinks and bends in the ducts: Kinks and bends occur when ducts are installed on corners along the walls. These kinks limit the amount of air flowing through the ductwork and cause uneven heating and cooling.
• Improper sizing: Poorly sized ducts may fail to meet the heating and cooling demands of your home. If the ducts are too small, they will impede airflow in the indoor spaces.

You can avoid the above issues by investing in quality HVAC installations. However, if you have already installed your ductwork, you can repair the system and fix the airflow and efficiency issues.

Increased Energy Bills

Modern heating and cooling systems promise annual energy savings and maximum comfort all year round. Therefore, if you have a furnace with a high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, you should realize a reduction in annual heating costs. Similarly, an AC or heat pump with a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) should consume less energy. 

If you notice an increase in your annual heating and cooling costs, your ductwork could be the problem. Leaking ducts affect the performance of HVAC systems by increasing their energy consumption. If your ducts have leaks, they will lose air to the surroundings, forcing the system to consume more energy. 

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Besides increasing your energy bills, duct leaks can also affect the air quality in your home. Leaks allow dust, pollen, and other allergens to access your home from the outdoors. If your filters are worn, they won't trap these contaminants. Instead, the pollutants will be blown into your spaces together with the heated or conditioned air. If you notice a continuous deterioration of the air quality in your home, check your ducts for leaks.

Ductwork issues can affect indoor comfort and undermine the performance of your HVAC system. Contact a professional contractor for HVAC repairs.