What Are Air Ducts Anyway?
If the home has an HVAC or central air conditioning unit, homeowners may already have air ducts installed. But even for people who have these things snaking in and around their house, air ducts can still seem pretty mysterious. So what exactly are they, and how important is their presence at home?
For the uninitiated, air ducts are conduits that allow warm or cool air to flow into all the rooms in the house to ventilate and regulate the temperature inside these spaces. Air ducts, however, do not exist as a separate entity. Instead, it is part of the central heating and cooling system and is connected to the HVAC unit, which heats and cools the air for distribution through the air ducts. Therefore, air ducts are responsible for delivering temperature-regulated air and ventilation air around the house to ensure optimum levels of indoor air quality and personal comfort for all of a home's occupants.
Average Lifespan of an Air Duct
The responsibility of delivering high-quality indoor air is not a trifling thing, so it is good that air ducts continue to be built with sturdiness and durability in mind. On average, ductwork has a maximum life expectancy of 20-25 years and usually starts to deteriorate sometime around its 15th year. This is why experts recommend having air ducts checked regularly, especially once they turn 15 years old when they begin to show considerable wear and tear, prompting the need to go beyond air duct repair and instead consider air duct replacement.
Are My Air Ducts Damaged?
While ductwork is expected to last for more than a decade, air duct damage can be more severe than usual. If a homeowner suspects damage to the ductwork, here are some signs that may confirm this:
- Subpar or uneven heating or cooling - If the HVAC unit works fine but still has a problem with heating or cooling in different rooms inside the house, it could be related to the air ducts.
- Uncomfortable atmosphere indoors - stuffy rooms that make breathing hard can be caused by defective ductwork.
- Worsening allergic reactions - Homeowners who notice an increased sensitivity to allergens may want to consider air ducts as the source of this unusually frequent irritation.
- Unusually excessive amounts of dust - dust that gathers and doesn't seem to clear can be related to damaged air ducts.
- High energy bills - Inefficiency in heating and cooling can also be caused by issues with the ductwork.
Signs That the Ductwork Needs Some Serious Cleaning
Most of the signs mentioned above that point to damaged air ducts can also double as symptoms of another ductwork-related problem, which is simple enough yet often overlooked - dirt that has accumulated and needs to be cleaned.
Most of these signs, including unpleasant odors or the visible presence of mold on the receptors or vent covers, can be remedied by calling professional air duct cleaning services. By conducting regular duct cleaning, homeowners will be able to address these issues once and for all even as they add value to their air ducts as keeping them clean and well-maintained will surely extend the ductwork's lifespan and save homeowners a significant amount of money that would otherwise go to replacing the ductwork.
About Central Heating
Central Heating is one of the top trusted HVAC solutions providers in Barrie, ON serving its surrounding communities and neighborhoods for over 16 years. As a full-service heating contractor, their team prides itself on providing expert workmanship that is fast, friendly, and reliable. They also offer affordable pricing and financing options that fit nearly every budget. Call them today for HVAC services in Barrie, ON.
