Your air ducts are the unsung heroes of your air conditioning and heating system. They circulate your conditioned air throughout your home.
Because of their important role, problems in your ducts affect the comfort level of your entire home. If your air conditioner or heater is working correctly but your home is still uncomfortable, your home may be suffering from one of these common air duct problems.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 20% of the air that passes through your home’s air ducts is lost due to leaks, cracks and weathered seals. Loose and poorly sealed registers and grills can also contribute to air loss.
Leaking ductwork is a problem for your home for two reasons. First, it hurts your heating and cooling system’s energy efficiency, increasing the amount you pay in monthly energy bills. Also, leaking air ducts can negatively affect your home’s indoor air quality by allowing pollutants into your home through the cracks and holes.
It is easy to overlook, but the design and layout of your air ducts greatly affects your heating and cooling system’s efficiency. Improperly sized ductwork can increase your energy consumption. This problem can often be corrected through zoning your home.
Also, if your Atlanta area home has flexible plastic ductwork, it may be kinked or twisted. Such sharp turns restrict airflow and place a strain on your air handler, which decreases your air conditioning and heating efficiency.
One of the most common air duct problems affecting Atlanta area homes is improper insulation. For maximum energy efficiency any air ducts running through unconditioned spaces (unfinished attics, garages, and basements) should be properly insulated.
You can purchase insulation to wrap sheet metal ducts or replace them with ductwork that includes insulation. If your ducts run through your attic, it can also be beneficial to increase your attic insulation.
Are you experiencing uneven heating and cooling? It may be a result of one of these common air duct problems.
Coolray can help you improve the comfort level of your Atlanta area home. Our customer-centered heating, cooling, and air quality services have helped us win the Consumer’s Choice Award for the last 12 years.
Schedule a consultation with one of our comfort specialists.
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