Air conditioning ductwork maintenance is essential for the smooth running of your HVAC system and for reducing the energy costs of your home. In this blog, we will cover everything you should know to maintain your HVAC ductwork.
What is air conditioning ductwork?
An air conditioning ductwork system is a circuit of pipelines that functions as a network to distribute conditioned air throughout the house. Imagine it as the root of your HVAC system. The location that holds the network is usually the attic. However, if you don’t have an attic, then the conduits can run beneath your floor.
The four major types of ducting include:
- Sheet metal air ducts.
- Fiberglass lined air ducts.
- Fiberboard air ducts.
- Flexible air ducts.
Sheet metal air ducts are made from aluminum and galvanized steel, and have robust designs. They are very durable and can be construed in variable shapes.
Fiberglass linings are great for liberating heat and preventing condensation. It’s mainly used to add an external or internal layer to the sheet metal air ducts.
Fiberboards are versatile materials that are made of inorganic fiberglass bonded with resin. These air ducts are inexpensive, hence making them the most installed air ducts in the market.
Inexpensive and easy installations are the benefits that flexible air ducts come with. Spring steel wire helix, a 2-ply polymer plastic encapsulates these ducts.
The materials used for the ductwork as mentioned above are aluminum and galvanized steel, fiberglass duct board, polyurethane, and non-metallic duct materials.
Also read: HVAC Tune Up Checklist: What Does It Consist of?
Maintenance Checklist for Air Conditioning Ductwork
Now that you know the basics of air conditioning ductwork, it’s needless to say that air duct maintenance is of utmost importance and requires proper attention. So here’s an air duct maintenance checklist. You need to follow these to maintain your HVAC system’s efficiency throughout the season.
- Regularly inspect the air ducts to identify signs of erosion.
- Seal the ductwork if you notice the damage.
- Clean or refresh air filters.
- Clean air registers and returns.
- Ensure unobstructed airflow.
The ablation in the pipes can give rise to leaking air, which can further damage your attic or your floor, wherever the system is originating from. Moreover, there will be heightened energy consumption, which is bound to reflect in your electricity bill.
In the case of holes or tears, air duct repair work must be initiated. Use adhesive tape available, especially for HVAC systems to seal the little rips or holes, thus saving the setup from further damage.
HVAC maintenance is not cumbersome if you know the tips and tricks. The best way to avoid major damage is to clean or upgrade your air filters regularly. Typically, this should be done at an interval of 30 days.
The air from the ducts is in a state of constant circulation throughout your home. Therefore, it is common for the dust particles to accumulate at the filter grills. Hence, keep your vents clean.
Blocked air, especially when it is being drawn back into your HVAC system, can increase the workload of your system and take up more energy. This can lead to an increase in your electric bill and can even damage your system.
Why It Is Important to Keep Your Air Ducts in Good Working Condition
HVAC systems require regular maintenance. Air ducts that are not in proper conditions can cause major energy consumption which is neither good for the environment nor your pocket. If the system starts circulating less than expected, it can affect the environment within the area, causing minor or major health hazards. Similarly, if the system circulates more air than expected, the originating location, be it the attic or the floor, can be profoundly affected.
Also, air duct performance is significantly influenced by the ventilation design. Therefore, if you want to enhance the efficiency of the ventilation system and achieve significant energy savings, then consult with an HVAC professional to take a look at your air ducts.
If you are looking for air duct installation and repair contractor services, get in touch today.
Also read:
Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips You Should Follow to Reduce Costs
White Mechanical, Inc.
Founded in 2002, White Mechanical, Inc. in Laguna Hills, CA, is one of the most trusted and licensed (HVAC) service providers, proudly serving Orange County and the surrounding communities. Our management team has more than 28 years of experience in various aspects of HVAC technology. All our HVAC technicians are professionally skilled and certified to deliver outstanding residential HVAC services as well as commercial HVAC services to our clients. We offer professional HVAC services including installation, maintenance, air conditioning repair, and more at very reasonable prices.
