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Do I Need to Replace My Air Ducts?

Residential air duct
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Have you had your air ducts inspected lately? If not, you’d be surprised how much dust accumulates inside of them. In addition to inspecting for cleanliness, it’s also smart to examine the condition of your ductwork. Here’s why:

Dust Accumulates

Over time, a lot of dust can accumulate in your ducts. When the HVAC system is running, the dust circulates throughout your home. Not only will this problem make your household harder to keep clean, but it worsens indoor air quality. Allergy and asthma suffers will be impacted the most. In addition to dust, your ductwork could also harbor dust mites and rodent droppings.

Mold Grows

Mold and mildew thrive in dark, damp places, making your ductwork the perfect habitat. Mold can also leave behind a musty odor and aggravate allergy symptoms, including:

  • Sneezing

  • Watery eyes

  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat

  • Runny nose

Extreme reactions include tightness of chest or shortness of breath.

Air Leaks

It’s not uncommon for air ducts to develop leaks, leading to higher energy bills. The duct seals, joints, and seams gradually start to deteriorate in time. This is especially true for old air ducts made from inferior materials. 

To keep your home at a comfortable temperature, your HVAC will be forced to run longer before cycling off. Because your unit will have a greater workload, it’s also far more likely to experience an unexpected breakdown. Even worse, holes in the ductwork can attract household pests. Roaches, ants, spiders, and mice can all crawl inside.

Ducts Make Noise

Modern HVAC units are engineered to operate quietly. If your system is louder than normal, the air ducts could be the source of your trouble. Rattling and whistling noises are often caused by damaged fiberglass joints.

Bottom line: You should have your ducts inspected and cleaned once every two years to ensure proper operation. You may also find that your ducts are due for replacement, especially if they’re 15 years old or older. DG Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the few HVAC companies that has its own in-house team that fabricates ductwork from sheet metal. To learn more about this service, call (408) 669-3496 today.

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