Ductwork is similar to the veins and arteries inside your body. Instead of transporting blood, though, ductwork transports conditioned or heated air from the HVAC system throughout your home. Ductwork requires careful planning and semi-regular maintenance in order for your home’s HVAC system to perform as it was designed. The best HVAC system in the world will perform poorly if the duct system isn’t well-maintained.
What Does Ductwork Do?
Ductwork is a series of conduits that transport conditioned air from the HVAC main unit to the various rooms and spaces in your house. No room inside your house will be able to escape the winter cold or summer heat without properly functioning ducts.
Leaky or haphazard ductwork can create unbalanced airflow, meaning some rooms will be too hot or too cold. On top of increased energy usage, all of this puts undue strain on your HVAC system, which can lead to premature repairs and replacements.
What Are the Most Popular Types of Ductwork?
Sheet metal ducts, flexible ducts and ducts lined with fiberglass are the most common kinds of ductwork. Sheet metal ducts, usually constructed from galvanized steel or aluminum, are a popular option for both commercial and residential structures because of their durability and longevity. Due to their mold and mildew resistance, they contribute to better indoor air quality.
The pliability and adaptability of plastic and wire make them ideal materials for making flexible ducts. When rigid ducting isn’t an option, flexible ducts are a solution; nonetheless, they require careful installation to avoid airflow constraints.
Ducts lined with fiberglass provide an additional barrier against noise and heat, making them a great choice for applications where both are important. However, the accumulation of dangerous particles can damage them, thus regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary.
The Role of Ductwork in Indoor Air Quality and HVAC Efficiency
Indoor air quality decreases and your respiratory health or allergies will suffer if you don’t clean your ducts regularly and seal them properly. As dust, pollen and other allergens accumulate inside your ductwork over time, they will eventually find their way into your home and circulate each time your HVAC system is on.
With regular duct cleaning, the air in your home will be free of allergens, dust and mold that may have seeped into the attic, basement or crawl space. More consistent airflow is another benefit of clean, well-maintained ducts. This implies that your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard, which means it will use less energy and won’t break down or need frequent repairs.
Is It Easy to Custom Design Ductwork?
In many circumstances, it is absolutely necessary to have ductwork custom-designed to fit a building’s or home’s unique requirements in order to achieve the best possible performance. Having the ductwork designed specifically for your home guarantees that the airflow remains even and that your HVAC system works efficiently throughout all seasons. Some common ductwork patterns are perimeter loops, radial designs and trunk-and-branch systems.
Smaller ducts, or branches, carry air throughout the house from a larger main duct, or trunk, in a trunk-and-branch system. For more efficient air circulation, radial systems use separate ducts to connect the HVAC unit to each room. In a perimeter loop design, air gets distributed uniformly from numerous spots throughout the house’s perimeter via ducts.
Should You Always Insulate Ductwork?
By reducing both heat loss and gain as the air moves through the duct system, insulated ducts make it easier for your HVAC system to hold the temperature that you set it to. Places like an attic, basement or crawl space are examples of unconditioned areas that benefit greatly from insulated ductwork. It can also help reduce condensation, which can mitigate mold growth inside the ducts. Without duct insulation, you will be experiencing significant energy loss, which means the system will have to work much harder, and you’ll be paying much more in energy costs.
What Are the Signs of a Duct Leak?
Inconsistent heating and cooling from room to room, increased energy bills and decreased ventilation are all possible symptoms of a duct leak. Other signs include visible dust around the vents and whistling or rattling noises coming from the ducts. The thermal comfort of your home will decline if the displaced conditioned air can escape through a duct leak. And the harder the HVAC system works to compensate for the lost air, the more it’ll cost you in energy and wear and tear on your HVAC equipment.
How Often Should You Get Ductwork Cleaned?
Normal duct cleaning intervals are three to five years, although this can vary from home to home due to a number of factors, such as how old your system is, how clean the air is in the house and if someone in your house has allergies. The presence of pets can also lead to a need for more frequent duct cleaning.
Duct cleaning is always best left to experts because they have the training, equipment and knowledge to clean the system effectively and safely. You can end up doing more damage than good if you try to clean ductwork with do-it-yourself methods.
What to Expect During Duct Cleaning
Our skilled technicians will evaluate your home’s ductwork and clean it to eliminate impurities, dust and debris that can build up over time. The first step is to inspect your ducts thoroughly using specialist equipment, including cameras or mirrors, to find any potential problems, such as mold or obstructions.
Our experts will then clear the dust and dirt that has accumulated inside the ducts by using powerful vacuums and brushes. For an absolutely pristine network, they will also clean all the grilles, registers and other easily accessible areas.
Technicians may use antimicrobial treatments to get rid of germs, mold or mildew if they think it’s required. Enhanced airflow, enhanced indoor air quality and a more efficient HVAC system are the end goals of the service. Your home will remain healthier and more comfortable all year round with professional duct cleaning.
Going Ductless
Ductless systems use outdoor compressors connected to individual room air handlers without using ductwork to instead circulate air around a home. A ductless HVAC system can offer improved energy efficiency and more precise temperature control in individual rooms. They have a wide range of applications but can be especially useful when it comes to homes without sufficient room for ducting and for families looking to reduce their energy expenses without losing comfort. Ductless systems are generally quieter and easier to install than more conventional HVAC systems.
Belle Air Services is here to answer any questions you might have about ductwork, such as how to maintain it. With regular care, you can rest easy knowing your ductwork is functioning as it should. We also help homeowners in Playa Vista, CA, with HVAC system installations, indoor air quality, heat pumps and more. Call us now to schedule heating and cooling services for your home.
