6 Common Ductwork Obstructions That Are Making Your HVAC System Inefficient

When the ductwork in your HVAC system is blocked or obstructed, the performance of your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump will suffer. Here are some of the more common ductwork obstructions to watch out for. When these problems are corrected, your HVAC system should be able to work at its full capacity.

1. Dirty air filters

As air flows through the HVAC system, it also flows through the air filter, where dust, dirt, pollen and other particles are trapped and held. When these filters get dirty, they restrict system airflow and impair system efficiency. Check filters monthly and change them when they get dirty.

2. Blocked supply vents and return grilles

Conditioned air enters your home through supply vents and expended air is pulled back into the system at return grilles. If these openings are blocked, needed air cannot enter the ductwork. Make sure they are not obstructed by furniture, clothing, boxes or other objects that can stop airflow.

3. Damaged ducts

Damage to ductwork at any point in the system can obstruct airflow and cause problems with HVAC system performance. Flexible ductwork can get creased or crushed, which will block air passage. Bent, dented or collapsed metal ductwork also can mean serious blockages.

4. Closed dampers

Dampers are designed to stop or reduce airflow within the ductwork. If they are completely or partially closed when they shouldn’t be, conditioned air will not pass through the ducts and into your home. Check any other damper systems you have to ensure they are completely open.

5. Ductwork air leaks

Not technically an obstruction, air leaks can nonetheless cause serious impairment to HVAC system performance. Broken seals, loose or missing ductwork segments, or other problems that let air escape the ductwork will reduce efficiency and waste energy.

6. Material inside ductwork

Loose insulation, animal or insect nests, dirt buildup, or other material inside the ductwork can block airflow and cause performance problems.

For more information on correcting and preventing ductwork obstructions, contact us today at Sobieski Services, Inc. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).

Image Credit: Pink Sherbet