The hidden system that’s responsible for circulating the air in your home will work without any issues most of the time. However, all systems are prone to problemss and even failure. Proper maintenance is always key with every device and the air duct system in your HVAC is no exception.
When a problem arises, most of the time, it’s nothing more than just air duct cleaning, but in others, you will need a more professional air duct cleaning service to get your AC system working properly again.
In this article, we’ll aim to cover the basics of air duct cleaning, ductwork installation, cleaning preparations, duct types, and more. Also, if you need air duct cleaning in Miami, you know that you can always reach out to us.
What Is a Duct?
These ducts are the conduits that supply your home with cool or heated air. They are connected to your AC or HVAC system. They are crucial in helping your AC work properly and contribute to improving the quality of the air in your home.
Types
There are three different ductwork variants and all of them have their respective advantages and possible drawbacks. These are:
- Sheet metal ducts: These are usually the least prone to harboring mold and the most durable.
- Fiberboard ducts: Usually the least expensive, these two-layered ducts (fiberglass and foil) are well insulated but can harbor mildew and mold. Also, rough fiberglass can compromise airflow a bit.
- Flex ducts: Extremely flexible, lightweight, and inexpensive. Flex ducts are immensely popular, even though, less sturdy than metal systems.
How Do They Work?
In an HVAC system, the air goes through a cycle, with negative pressure in the ducts that sucks the air in passing it through the filters. The air is either cooled or heated and sent back to your rooms.
Sings That Foreshadow Air Duct Cleaning
Here are the most common problems that might signal that your AC ductwork might need cleaning or even replacement.
Cold and Hot Spots
Among the most obvious signs that your ducts have encountered issues are cold and hot spots. The problem is pretty self-explanatory: there are discrepancies in room temperatures in your home, even though the temperature in your home should be the same in every room. To pinpoint what causes the issue, you will need a professional’s help.
Loud Noises
These noises mostly indicate damaged or disconnected ducts that you shouldn’t ignore. In other cases, they might point to a more serious problem, such as bugs or rodents infiltrating your duct system.
Weak Air Flow Supply From the Vent
When you experience that there’s little to no air flowing from the supply opening, chances are, you will need expert help to pinpoint the exact cause bitcoin mixers. No need to say this is a huge problem during hot and humid summer nights, compromising your sleep. Also, if a blockage is the culprit behind the issue, you can even overheat your entire system.
High Utility Bills
When the air is escaping from the insulated air ducts, the first sign that you might need air duct cleaning and work will be higher utility bills. This one can be a bit tricky and hard to notice at first, so going through the usage report and comparing it to similar homes in your area can help.
Low Air Quality
When dust is collecting in your house, and when you see your loved ones sneezing more often, your AC ductwork might need cleaning because the air quality is compromised in your home.
AC Ductwork Tear and Wear
Ductwork installation might seem like a simple process, but moving air is takes a toll on the system. This means that even a high-quality system is prone to issues over time. Knowing how to prepare for air duct cleaning and knowing the telltale signs of potential problems can improve the lifespan of your system and can help you with keeping your home nice and cool.
Before we get started, you should know that different duct types will have different expiration dates. Naturally, metal ducts are the sturdiest, but even they are susceptible to problems.
As the system gets older, these are the most common problems that may arise:
Corroded and Leaky Ducts
Regular air duct cleaning is necessary to avoid corrosion, as moisture can also get into the ducts. Humid spaces are more susceptible to letting moisture in, and sagging ducts may also have this problem as condensation may gather in the dips of the duct lines.
Dirty and Clogged Ducts
Loose connections, irregular maintenance, duct inspections, holes, and even dirty indoor air can lead to clogged air ducts that will compromise airflow and will make the overall problem even worse. To avoid this, aim for first-class ductwork installation services and work with a professional team for regular maintenance.
Mold and Mildew
Knowing how to prepare for air duct cleaning starts with making sure there’s no way of moisture entering the ducts. When moisture manages to get into the system, mold will appear over time. This won’t cause any physical problems in the system, but it will compromise air quality which can lead to potential health problems.
The supply vents blow the spores from the mold in the house, which can also damage the walls and your favorite pieces of furniture.
If you suspect that mold may be collecting in your ductwork, hiring a professional as soon as possible is essential.
Pest Problems
Apart from mold and debris, sometimes pests are those that compromise your ductwork from working properly. When the ductwork installation process was previously carried out poorly, disconnected parts, tears, and wear can serve as openings for bugs and rodents that can create nests in the duct system and multiply. This can compromise airflow leading to unwanted noises, unpleasant smells, and a myriad of other concerns in your home.
How to Prepare for Duct Cleaning?
If you already know that you will need cleaning, here are a few things you can do to do the job faster:
- Clean up the clutter around the HVAC registers and vents.
- Clear the area around the air conditioner and make sure that the system is accessible.
- Consider keeping your pets outdoor as technicians might need a pet-free zone to get the job done. It’s best to consult with your technicians beforehand.
- Will you be present?
- Do a walk-through with the experts
Also, before the experts get started, it’s always a good idea to discuss the entire process with the technicians. They can explain the process and can shed more light on what you should expect. Also, you can voice your concerns regarding the cleaning process.
Suspecting that You Might Have a Problem?
If you think that something might be wrong with your duct system, your best bet will always be to reach out to a reputable HVAC service. Good experts will run several tests and take a thorough look at your entire HVAC system to pinpoint the exact source of the problem.
That being said, you can always rely on us to take care of any problems you might experience with your AC system. From installation to maintenance, and replacement, we can take care of everything related to your AC, ensuring that your home remains cool and comfortable all the time.
