Protect Your Home From Damaged Ductwork
When there’s trouble brewing behind your home’s walls, it’s not always obvious just how big the problem is. Your home’s ductwork is what keeps you comfortable during all seasons, but it can also pose a threat when damage occurs. So what problems can damaged ducts really cause?
At Aire Serv, we believe that every home should be a comfortable, stress-free environment. However, sometimes your home has other plans. If you’re wondering what the dangers of damaged ductwork are, we’re here to share so you can act fast.
1. Poor Indoor Air Quality
When your ducts are cracked, excess moisture and dirt can make their way into your ducts. Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause dust to build up inside your ducts. In other cases, pests may invade your ducts and leave little “presents” that give off a nasty smell.
All of these things can cause your home’s indoor air quality to suffer. Although this may be undetectable for some homeowners, others may experience negative health effects, including:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Eye and throat irritation
- Nasal congestion
No one likes feeling sick, so it’s best to repair your ductwork quickly to eliminate any health risks.
2. Overheated HVAC System
When you have cracked ductwork, your HVAC system has to work extra hard to cool down your home. This is because some of the cool or warm air escapes into your walls instead of through the vents in each room. Over time, this can place a strain on your HVAC system, which can cause it to overheat.
Overheating can damage your HVAC system, causing it to fail prematurely. Not only will this lead to discomfort in your home until the system is repaired, but it also can be very expensive. Scheduling a minor repair to your ductwork is well worth it when you consider how the damage can spread.
3. High Energy Bills
Few people get excited about paying home utility bills. However, it’s even less enjoyable to pay for a bill that’s much higher than you expected it to be. This is a reality for homeowners who have broken ductwork.
If you neglect to address cracked ductwork, you can end up wasting a lot of money on energy bills that could have been much lower. If you notice a sudden spike in your energy bills, contact an HVAC professional to inspect your ductwork for leaks.
4. Back Drafting
Your home appliances, such as your oven, dryer and furnace, may run on combustible natural gas. In a normal home, this gas is vented in a safe way that prevents danger. However, leaky ductwork can cause this gas to back draft into your home.
The biggest threat that accompanies back drafting is the presence of carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide can cause serious health effects and even death if you are exposed to it for a long time. It’s best to avoid back drafting altogether and fix damaged ductwork as soon as possible.
Can Ductwork Be Repaired?
Now that you’re familiar with the dangers of damaged ducts, you may be wondering how ductwork can be repaired. While ductwork repairs aren’t something that you can DIY, a professional HVAC technician can fix any leaks and repair problem spots in your ductwork.
Depending on the level of damage, a technician will patch, seal and replace your ductwork to eliminate leaks. Once your ductwork is over fifteen years old, you may want to consider replacing all of the ducts to prevent frequent repairs and damage.
Schedule Fort Worth Ductwork Repair Today!
If you live in the Fort Worth area and are in need of ductwork assistance, Aire Serv can help. We would love to help you improve your home’s safety and comfort through air duct maintenance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
