Well-Functioning Air Ducts: Key for a Smooth-Running HVAC System

Hand placed over air conditioner

Too hot in the house? Too cold? Energy bills too high? Could the HVAC system be on the blink? But where exactly is the problem? The professionals at Robison are committed to educating homeowners throughout Westchester and Putnam on major, but often ignored, components of the HVAC system —  air ducts. They’re the conduits that transport conditioned air to every room in the house.

If you think that your HVAC system is inefficient or you get consistently high energy bills, these common duct problems can be the culprit:

  1. Faulty design: If a system isn’t designed properly for conditioned air to flow throughout the home, energy efficiency plummets, and effectiveness is compromised, as is indoor air quality. Poor air quality can lead to a host of respiratory health issues.
  2. Leaks: The average home loses up to 40 percent of the air that circulates throughout the ductwork through leaks in the system. This makes it more difficult to cool your rooms efficiently. Leaks can also allow outside pollution to circulate throughout your ductwork, impacting your overall indoor air quality.
  3. Badly sealed air registers: Registers are the part of your HVAC system that covers a hole in the wall, floor, or ceiling where the air duct enters the room. Their main function is to supply air, but if they aren’t sealed well with the duct connections, air can escape before it reaches the intended locations. As a result, your HVAC system has to work harder.
  4. Poor insulation: Ducts that aren’t insulated properly allow for loss of heated and cooled air outside of their intended locations. With well-insulated ducts, chances are the performance of your HVAC system will be greatly improved.
  5. Dirty air ducts: The EPA estimates that air quality in some homes can be as much as 100 times dirtier than outside air. This problem is made worse when you have dirty air ducts. Dust, pollutants, and germs inside your ducts continually recirculate each time your HVAC equipment operates.

When Is It Time to Replace?

A rule of thumb is that if your ductwork is over 15 years old, you likely need to consider replacing it. Often, by 15 years, ductwork begins showing signs of deterioration, significantly reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency.

Bottom line: You can greatly improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and indoor air quality by having your air ducts installed and maintained by Robison.

For 100 years, we’ve built a reputation in Westchester and Putnam as the leading full-service home comfort company. Contact us today to schedule an airflow evaluation at (914) 345-5700.

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