Blog / Don’t Forget The Ductwork!

Important Tips For Your Ducts

Most air conditioning and heating systems require some form of ductwork to channel or direct air to areas of the home where conditioned air is needed. The condition of your ductwork plays a major role in the overall energy efficiency of your home’s comfort system and also affects how comfortable your home is. Below are some important tips regarding the ductwork in your home.

Have your ductwork periodically checked by a professional HVAC technician for leaks.

• Leaky ductwork can cause your utility bills to be 20-30% higher than they should be.
• Leaky ducts reduce a system’s ability to deliver even heating and cooling throughout your home.
• If you have flexible ducts, they are prone to being kinked or smashed and need to be checked periodically, even if they are in hard to get to places.

• Layers of dirt in ductwork can affect your operating costs and comfort.  Most dirt accumulates in the return ducts of your system, which leads back to your furnace.  The dirt that does not get filtered by your filter will blow right back into your home.
• Dirty ducts quickly clog up a furnace filter and cause your furnace or air conditioner to work harder.  Working harder means higher utility bills for you.
• This dirt buildup will affect the longevity and performance of your equipment.
• If your ducts are dirty there is a good chance your heating and cooling system will be also.  Your HVAC system may need to be cleaned as well.

Consult a reputable HVAC professional when looking to purchase a new HVAC system.

• When buying a new HVAC system, don’t forget the ductwork!  Unless the ductwork is professionally sized, configured, and sealed with the newly installed equipment, even the most advanced new HVAC system will not cool or heat your home at optimum efficiency.