Photo By BanksPhotos at istock

Air ducts in your Rockwall, TX, home are important components of the HVAC system. Without a ductwork system, the HVAC unit will not be in the position to ensure proper airflow within your home. Nevertheless, some homeowners usually pay less attention to air ducts until they start experiencing significant problems. Besides, the average lifespan of an air duct is approximately 20-25 years, and if your ductwork has been in use for over 15 years, it probably needs a replacement.

At some point, air ducts will experience some issues that may require you to seek services from a professional heating and AC repair technician. If you address the problems earlier, you can save some money on energy bills and avoid costly repairs. Here are some signs you should pay attention to know it’s time to contact an HVAC repair specialist.

Uneven Heating or Cooling

With proper functioning air ducts, your house should have no issues maintaining consistent temperatures in every room. If some rooms feel warmer or cold than others, it means the ductwork system has some issues.

Air ducts should blow the same cold or warm air from one room to another. If your house has varying temperatures, it means the ductwork has blockage issues. If that’s the case, cool or warm air may fail to reach other parts of your house. The problem may also be caused by leaking or improperly sized air ducts.

Cool or warm air can escape through leaks, thereby making your home uncomfortable. You should also check if there are obstructions near the supply vents. Professional heating and AC repair technician to determine the cause of cold or hot spots in your house. Replacing faulty air ducts allows the conditioned air to circulate uniformly in all rooms.

Smell of Mold or Mildew

A mold problem is usually a headache, especially if it finds its way into the ductwork system. If you can smell mold or mildew in your home when the AC is running, it could be a sign of leaking air ducts or poor insulation. Mold usually grows when there is an uneven temperature inside and outside the air ducts. For instance, if the outside temperature is warm and air ducts are blowing cold air, condensation occurs.

Over time, mold and mildew grows and you can smell it when air ducts blow air into your room. If the ductwork is blowing an unpleasant smell, seek help from a heating and AC repair technician immediately. You should never ignore a mold problem. It can spread foul smells throughout your home, making the indoor environment uncomfortable.

Mold and mildew may also spread spores which cause allergies and respiratory problems. While duct cleaning can reduce mold problems, replacing your air ducts can offer a permanent solution. The whole process requires skilled heating and AC repair technicians to ensure it’s done right.

Sudden Rise in Energy Bills

When you have high energy usage at certain times of the year, you should expect higher energy bills. However, if you notice an increase in bills even if you have not purchased new electronics or increased energy consumption, it means the ductwork has some leaks. You may have to adjust the thermostat settings to have a comfortable home, temperature gets higher but not sufficient to cool or warm your home.

The conditioned air escapes through such leaks. The HVAC system may have to work harder to attain the set temperature. This translates to higher energy bills. It means you’re paying for the air that leaves your house. Talk to a heating and AC repair specialist in Rockwall, TX, to assess your current situation and perform necessary repairs.

Poor Airflow

Weak airflow can occur due to some reasons. The ductwork could be having broken seals or cracks which allow air to escape. If that’s the case, it means that less air gets to the vent system, and little gets to your home.

Another reason could be disconnected or crushed air ducts, which weaken the movement of air to result in improper airflow. The size of air ducts and vents also affect the efficiency of the HVAC system.

Undersized vents or large air ducts can prevent conditioned air from circulating in your home. That’s why it’s important to consult knowledgeable heating and AC repair specialists when shopping for a ductwork system to ensure you get the correct size. If the airflow is lower than usual, contact a heating and AC repair technician to repair or replace your ductwork.

Signs of Pest Infestation

Besides causing mold and mildew problems, old ductwork can also attract pests. The presence of holes and cracks creates entry points for pests such as rodents and bugs. If not addressed sooner, they can cause problems, including foul odors and the spread of diseases.

Pests can also cause blockages which result in uneven heating or cooling of a home. If you spot mouse droppings or dead insects around the vents, or if you smell foul odors from the ductwork, call a professional heating and AC repair specialist near right away.

Noisy Operation

If your HVAC system is making a lot of noise while heating or cooling your home, air ducts may be having some issues. A rattling sound could mean that the ductwork is loose and needs to be repaired. A whistling sound can be an indication of leaks within the ductwork.

If not resolved earlier, such issues can get worse and cause major problems. If you hear odd noises when you turn on your HVAC system, contact a company providing heating and AC repair services. A professional can examine your air ducts to find out whether you need a repair or a replacement.

Contact K&S Heating & Air

We are a family-owned and operated business providing indoor heating and air conditioning services to residential and commercial clients in Rockwall, TX, and the surrounding areas.

If you need heating and AC repair services, contact our technicians to get your system back to running. Our employees have more than 100 years of experience, you can trust them to have the job done right.