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Duct issues may not be easy to detect. They may happen slowly over time or suddenly appear overnight. What is important to understand is that the condition of your ducts directly affects the quality of your air conditioning and heating. Age, general wear and tear and other issues can directly affect the function of your ducts. If you are experiencing duct issues you will decide between duct repair vs replacement. We at LA Construction, Heating and Air work with you to help you decide which would best fit your needs and budget whether that be maintenance, repair or ductwork replacement. There are some sure signs you should look out for that signal an issue with your ducts. In this article we will discuss what to consider when deciding between duct repair vs replacement.
Old Ductwork
The older your ductwork the more susceptible it is to damage and other issues. Although keep in mind that issues can appear suddenly as well. If your home was built in the seventies, it could also contain traces of asbestos. Consider replacing your ducts with new more efficient ducting to save on energy costs and avoid any possible health issues in the future.
Air Leaks
One of the most important reasons to have your ductwork inspected is duct leaks. Regardless of what type of ducting material you have, all ductwork will eventually develop leak issues if they are not properly installed or maintained. On average, your home loses 20 to 30 percent of the air through your ductwork. This will result in loss of airflow into your home, poor indoor air quality, and higher energy bills. Also keep in mind that any leaks or holes in your ductwork can create an entry point for rodents and bugs. This could create further issues such as bad odors, or other unpleasant signs.
Uneven Cooling/Heating
Proper airflow is essential for optimal air conditioner performance. Does one room in your home feel less cool or warm than other areas? This may be due to a variety of reasons such as something simple like a dirty air filter, or because your ducts are blocked, kinked or damaged in certain areas. It is important to ensure that your system has proper airflow so that it can cool or heat your home efficiently. Depending on the age of your duct work, duct repair is almost always necessary.
Higher Bills Than Usual
One of the most common signs there may be an issue with your ductwork is an increase in your monthly energy bills without an increase in usage. If your duct system is not running efficiently due to a blockage or leak, then the system must work harder to keep your home at your desired temperature thus resulting in higher bills than usual.
Dusty Home
Have you noticed any marks around your vents or an increase in dust in your home? Any dark marks near your vents or debris is a sign that your air is dirty. Ductwork transports the air in your home. Damaged ducts do not filter out dust and debris properly. The dust and debris consist of dirt, lint, dander, dust and other allergens and can lead to respiratory issues or allergies. Contact us for an inspection to determine whether duct repair or replacement could resolve the issue. Ducts with holes or leaks will considerably diminish your indoor air quality.
Bad Odors
Have you noticed any unusual unpleasant odors in your home? Unregulated temperatures in your ductwork can lead to mold or mildew odors that gets pushed out the vents into your home. Mold and mildew can lead to health issues for you and your family. If you noticed any unusual bad odors schedule duct inspection, because a problem with your ductwork may be to blame.
Noisy HVAC
Strange noises from your HVAC such as rattling or squeaks are a sign that there may be damage or holes somewhere along the ductwork. This is one sign that should not be ignored, schedule professional inspection.
Air Duct Replacement
If you have noticed any of the signs mentioned above and suspect you may need ductwork repairs, contact us right away before the problem gets worse. Sometimes you may need to get your entire duct system replaced instead of repairs. If this is the case, we advise you to get multiple opinions and estimates.
If you do need to get your ducting replaced you will enjoy benefits such as increased efficiency and lower bills, improved air quality, and regulated temperature.
Contact LA Construction, Heating and Air
While some of these signs may be easier to identify, others may be harder to distinguish. If you are concerned about your ductwork give us a call and we can help you decide on the best solution between duct repair vs replacement. When it comes to HVAC it is always best to hire a licensed professional like LA Construction, Heating and Air rather than DIY. We have the experience and knowledge to install or repair your HVAC system to ensure that it is working properly and efficiently. Air duct replacement may seem like a daunting task but give us a call or contact us online and we will take care of everything for you in a quick and simple way.
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