Understanding the Basics of Your Duct System

Your ducts are out of sight and out of mind most of the time, but they are key to the proper functioning of your HVAC system. Having a basic understanding of your Gladstone, Virgina, home’s ductwork can help you understand how to conserve energy, save on utility bills, and increase the efficiency of your equipment.

Ductwork Installation

HVAC professionals have to consider several factors when installing ductwork including the conditions of your home, the size of the rooms, how much heating and cooling the home will need, and the size of your furnace and air conditioner. Other factors include the airflow and ensuring combustion gases are safely vented out of your house. Duct design and installation are very important. Poor installation will create many issues later on including increasing your energy bills.

Ducts and Air Leaks

Air leaks are one of the biggest issues homeowners face with their duct system. Air leaks occur because of cracks or holes, when seals get loose, or because there are gaps in the ducts that allow your heated or cooled air to escape into unconditioned spaces like the attic. Air leaks account for significant energy losses and force your system to work harder to keep your house at the desired temperature. You might also notice higher than normal energy bills. Properly sealed ducts increase the efficiency of your system.

Your Ducts and Air Quality

You’ve probably wondered about duct cleaning and whether you need one. Duct cleaning can help with air quality control if you believe your ducts are part of the problem. For example, mold growing inside your ducts will spread throughout your home as mold spores become a part of the air moving through your ducts. A duct cleaning is beneficial when there is a large buildup of pollutants in your ductwork.

Your ducts are a crucial part of your HVAC system. Making sure they are clean and in good condition translates to home comfort and the health of your HVAC system. Call W.E. Brown today at (434) 295-1177 if you suspect you have air leaks or need to have your ducts inspected.

Image provided by Shutterstock