Your ductwork in your home has a significant impact on your home, though you might not realize this until you experience problems with it. There is a lot to understand about ductwork to ensure it works properly and suits your home well. You might not think this information is important to you as a homeowner if you don’t plan to perform maintenance on the ducts. However, it is essential to understand how this system works to ensure it is performing correctly.
Our team at Genuine Comfort has answered some of the most commonly asked questions about ductwork so you can properly care for this important aspect of your home HVAC system.
1. What Is Ductwork?
Ductwork is a system of pipes or channels that transport air from your HVAC system throughout your home. The ducts act as a pathway for the air to be properly distributed throughout various rooms and spaces. Your ductwork is installed by an HVAC professional, who will assess your home’s layout and determine the perfect routing for the ducts and your HVAC system.
With properly, professionally installed ductwork, your home can be thoroughly and appropriately cooled or heated throughout the year. However, without appropriately sized ductwork throughout your home, your HVAC system may struggle to adequately heat and cool your home, leading to premature strain and breakdown of the system.
2. Why Is Ductwork Important?
As we mentioned above, your ductwork is responsible for adequately heating and cooling your space. If the ductwork is improperly installed or sized, you’ll be more uncomfortable in your home. You may find yourself feeling too warm during the hotter summer months and too cool during the colder winter months.
Your ductwork is also responsible for the moisture levels in your home. If they are improperly sized, you may have too much moisture in your home, leading to overly humid air and the chance of mold growth. If you are installing ductwork in your new home, it is essential that you work with a trustworthy HVAC professional to ensure it is properly sized.
3. Does Ductwork Impact Your Home’s Air Quality?
Your ductwork may have an impact on your home’s air quality in both a positive and negative way. If the ductwork is inadequately sealed, you may notice more contaminants in the air throughout your home, including dust, insulation fibers, and pests. Poorly installed ductwork may also lead to the spread of mold spores throughout your home.
However, well-installed ductwork featuring proper air filters throughout the system can catch any pollen and allergens that make their way into your home. Your ductwork may also prevent the spread of pet dander, dust, and other airborne particles. Because of its impact on your home’s air quality, you should prepare to make an appropriate investment in the ductwork.
4. How Can You Improve The Efficiency Of Your Ductwork?
Improving the efficiency of your ductwork may lead to substantial savings on your energy bill, improved performance of your HVAC system, and increased comfort in your home. To improve the efficiency of the ductwork, you should reach out to an HVAC professional. They will be able to assess the ductwork and identify how it may be improved.
One significant improvement that can be made is the sealing of your ductwork. Improving the sealings can prevent air from leaking. They may also determine whether high-efficiency air filters can improve the efficiency of your system and the air quality in your home. For the best efficiency improvements, you should speak with your HVAC professional.
5. Can You Shorten Ductwork To Improve Ceiling Height?
It is not uncommon for homeowners to want to shorten ductwork in their basements and instead use wider ducts. As much as we understand the desire to improve ceiling height in these spaces, shorter ducts will not benefit your ductwork, and we recommend against making this kind of change. As we mentioned above, inappropriately sized ductwork may place undue strain on your home’s HVAC system.
If you choose to use shorter ducts in your basement, you’ll find that you experience a build-up of static pressure. If you want to learn more about the impact of static pressure on your home’s HVAC system, check out this blog. You may also notice that your HVAC system makes more noise when it is turned on.
6. What Are Some Signs Your Ductwork Needs Attention?
There are several signs that your ductwork requires a bit of attention or may be in need of maintenance. If there is damage to your ducts, you may notice a whistling sound. This whistling may also happen if there is debris present within the system. Another sign that they need attention is an increased presence of pests in your ventilation system or home.
Finally, if you notice warm or hot spots throughout your home, you may have a problem with your ducts. If you notice any problems with your ductwork, you should speak to your HVAC professional during your routine maintenance appointments. They may be able to identify the cause while performing maintenance and make quick repairs.
7. Can You Repair Ductwork Yourself?
While we understand the desire to make quick repairs to home systems, including your ductwork, it is absolutely essential that you work with an experienced HVAC professional. As we have discussed, your ductwork is responsible for much of the comfort you feel in your home. While you may be able to make some repairs, the work you do might do more harm than good.
An HVAC professional will be experienced in making both minor and major repairs to your ductwork. They may also be able to get work done more quickly. With the use of equipment you may not have access to, HVAC professionals may be able to identify the problems within your ductwork sooner than you could. With their help, you’ll find yourself feeling comfortable in your home sooner than if you did the work yourself.
Caring For Your Ductwork With Genuine Comfort
If you are building a new home and want to ensure you have the best ducts possible for your space, you should work with a well-experienced HVAC professional. Our team at Genuine Comfort has years of experience helping homeowners across the Wasatch Front create the perfect HVAC system for their home’s specific needs and is confident that they can do the same for you.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with us or would like to speak with a member of our team about the services we provide, contact us today.
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