6 Things You Don’t Want to Hear About Ductwork

Much like a home’s plumbing system channels water through a network of pipes, the ductwork system is a network of tubes that channels airflow to and from the living spaces. While water leaks are an obvious giveaway to aging pipes, detecting air leaks in aging or poorly designed air ducts isn’t as conclusive. However, if the clues and symptoms of aging ducts aren’t identified and treated, the drain on your wallet will be noticed.

Before you venture into the attic or basement to look for ductwork faults, first feel and listen for clues from inside the living spaces. A visual inspection of aging ductwork commonly reveals deficiencies in the network, such as leaky seams, fallen ducts, and inadequate or damaged insulation, and perhaps even damaged portions of duct runs. Other simple solutions to check are duct obstructions from dirty air filters, or air filters that have been sucked into the ductwork. Make sure all furniture and other household items are clear of supply registers and return grills.

Wondering if your ductwork is in good shape?

Here are the six things you DO NOT want to hear about the condition of your ductwork.

1. Airflow: The amount of air pressure from the supply registers or vents can tell you a lot about the condition of air ducts. A supply outlet with low air volume compared to other outlets often indicates an issue with the connecting supply duct (blockage, disconnection and/or substantial air leakage).
2. Noise: Ducts undergo a great amount of stress and static pressure. Loose duct connections at seams, outlets and grills are common, as indicated by rattling and clamoring noises.
3. Temperature: A loss of airflow temperature (as opposed to velocity) at distant ducts indicates excessive heat energy losses through duct walls.
4. Leaks and disconnections: Air leaks at loose seams and disconnected joints should be sealed with duct sealant (mastic) and wrapped with metal tape.
5. Damage: Crushed or damaged portions of ducts should be replaced and adequately sealed. Inspect flex ducts for tangles.
6. Insulation: All ducts in unconditioned spaces should be insulated. Fiberglass rolls or rigid board are good solutions.

If you think your ductwork needs the attention of an HVAC professional, please contact us at Sobieski Services, Inc. today for prompt service. 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).

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