Your ductwork plays a critical role in your home. You rely on your home’s ducts to distribute air to properly heat and cool it, and to make sure the air is clean and pure. If there is a problem with the ductwork and you need a ductwork repair, not only will it impact the ability of your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and the air clean, but it could increase your energy costs and shorten the life of your heating and air conditioning system.
Periodic cleaning of ducts is one way to make sure your duct system is in good shape. But you should also annually check for other issues. Depending on your comfort level, you can perform some of these yourself or have a heating and cooling professional do it.
In our most recent blog, the heating and cooling professionals at Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric discuss common ductwork repairs. For all of your home’s HVAC needs, give us a phone call or contact us today!
Common Ductwork Repairs
Your home’s ductwork is vital to the cost and efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system, and you should make repairs as soon as you notice any issues. Here are some common duct repair issues and what to do to fix them:
Torn or Crushed Flexible Ducts
Torn ducts prevent warm or cool air (depending on the season) from reaching your entire house, making your home less comfortable and driving up energy bills and costs. Ducts in the attic and crawlspace are sometimes composed of a flexible material that moves as air passes through it. Over time, this movement may tear the ducts. Check to see if the ducts are sagging and if so, secure them before they tear.
Similarly, ducts can be crushed. Look at the ductwork to determine whether it is crushed.
Ducts Lying on the Floor
Ducts in your crawlspace or attic are sometimes placed on the floor. There are two problems with this: rodents can get inside, and water can cause damage. Make sure your ducts are off the floor to prevent these issues from occurring.
Leaky Ducts
Leaks caused by cracks, splits or bad connections are a huge problem. It is estimated that 25% of every dollar spent on cooling can be lost through leaky ducts. Check for leaks by turning on your HVAC system and feel for escaping air. You can also search for black marks on the duct’s insulation, especially around joints. These marks are caused by dust, dirt, and dander collecting around air leaks. If you decide to seal the leaks yourself, use metal foil tape that is specifically designed for ducts. Do not use duct tape; it will deteriorate over time. If there is any duct tape on the ductwork, remove it and replace it with metal foil tape.
Insulation
Insulate exposed ductwork with R-4 or higher duct wrap. This is especially important for ductwork in unconditioned spaces. Insulation can come loose over time, especially if it was not properly installed. If you see loose insulation, secure it with foil tape. Also, if you see stained insulation, that is another sign you may have leaks. If so, remove the stained insulation and repair the leak as mentioned above. Then replace the insulation.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for Ductwork Repair or Insulation
If you’re not comfortable making repairs to your home’s ductwork, pick up the phone or contact the HVAC professionals at Ravinia Plumbing. Our heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality technicians offer quality ductwork repair and installation services.
Ravinia Plumbing has been in business since 1928, and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable heating, cooling, and indoor air quality companies in Chicagoland. For complete HVAC services, including ductwork repair and insulation, contact Ravinia Plumbing today.
