Your HVAC system utilizes a system of ducts to distribute warm or cool air through each area of your home. It can, however, be susceptible to blockage over time, causing the equipment to provide conditioned air inefficiently. Today, local HVAC contractor Broom Heating & Air Conditioning discusses the signs to look out for and ways to check for clogs in your ductwork.
Differences in Temperature
The biggest symptom of clogged air ducts in your home is a difference in temperatures. This is most likely to occur if you set your whole-home thermostat to the desired temperature and then notice that one room isn’t as warm or cool as the others.
An Increase in Monthly Energy Bills
Since a room with a clogged air duct won’t be able to reach the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat, your HVAC system will have to work twice as hard to warm or cool it properly. This will cause an uptick in your monthly utility bills and put your heating or cooling equipment at risk of failing early in its service life.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Clogs in your home’s ductwork will hinder proper air circulation, resulting in poor indoor air quality. You’ll most likely start having respiratory problems like sneezing and coughing due to the presence of stale air and the contaminants it carries. such as mold and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Ways to Check for Blockage
A licensed heating and air conditioning repair technician can help diagnose and fix this issue. Before you call the pros, be sure that there is indeed blockage in the air ducts. Start by turning your HVAC system on and waiting for the fan to start blowing. Check the vents in each room for airflow, taking note of the ones that feel like they’re blowing less.
Also, consider removing the filters while checking the ducts. Then, inspect the air vents in the rooms with less airflow. A specific duct may be clogged if there’s no improvement. From there, you can inspect your ductwork by first unscrewing the vent covers and checking behind the vent grille for debris. Use a flashlight to check the inside of the ducts, taking note of any damage around the seams and making sure the dampers are open.
Broom Heating & Air Conditioning specializes in a wide range of services, including air conditioning installation, heating repair and HVAC maintenance. Call us at (803) 754-5466 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote.
Planned maintenance is key to making sure your heating and cooling system is in top shape at all times. A lot of property owners see it as merely added expense but it’s not! Think of a planned maintenance agreement as an investment into your investment. Your HVAC system plays a role in keeping your home or business comfortable and energy-efficient, after all, so it definitely pays to have one in place.
