When it comes to air ducts, proper maintenance is essential. To ensure that your air quality and energy efficiency remain optimal, it is important to have your ducts inspected annually by a professional. However, there are also basic maintenance steps you can take on your own. If your unit and duct system are functioning properly, they require regular upkeep.
If your air ducts are clogged or dirty, it can cause issues with air flow and air quality in your home. In a typical home, about 20 to 30 percent of the air that passes through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Your air conditioner does not purify the air, but it can increase volatile organic compounds and allergens in the home if not maintained. To prevent this from happening, always have your air conditioner handled by a professional.
If you're having issues with airflow, cold or hot spots, or lack of heating or cooling in your home, duct cleaning isn't a permanent solution. In homes with forced air heating and cooling systems, ducts are used to distribute air conditioning throughout the house. With regular duct maintenance, you can ensure that the air quality is good and that your air conditioning unit is still working properly. To keep energy bills low and your air quality high, inspect your ducts every year. You should also keep aluminum tape handy for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (not adhesive tape) or putty sealant (specific for ducts) in case you need to repair a leak. Because ducts are often hidden in walls, ceilings, attics, and basements, repairing them can be difficult.
To properly address airflow problems, it is necessary to carry out a professional test of the ventilation hood to measure the volume of air passing through the air conditioning system and to carry out a full inspection of the ducts. Start by sealing air leaks with putty or metal tape and insulating any ducts you can access (such as those in attics, mezzanines, unfinished basements, and garages).It's important to remember that proper maintenance is key when it comes to air ducts. With the right upkeep, there is no need to clean them. Instead, your local HVAC company should seal or replace them if they are dirty.
The longer you wait to seal and clean air ducts, the worse air quality and energy efficiency will become.
