As a homeowner, you likely know the role your ductwork plays in keeping your home comfortable, but what you may not know is that up to 25% of the air your HVAC produces can be lost due to poorly maintained ducts. Air leaks, blockages, and improper installation can all result in home heat loss. Not only does this make it hard to heat up your Farmingdale home during winter, but it also drives up your energy bills and causes wear-and-tear on the furnace.
Luckily, there are some easy solutions to this problem. The team at B.A.C. Systems Inc. has provided top-notch ductwork service in Farmingdale, NY, for many years, so we’re exceptionally knowledgeable about the many signs that your ductwork is damaged. If you notice any of the issues below, then it’s time to call up our trusted HVAC pros for troubleshooting and repairs or replacement:
1. Unusually High Utility Bills
While it’s normal to see your energy bill creep up during certain seasons, an unusually higher bill is indicative of a problem. One of the many HVAC-related issues that can cause a spike in energy costs is damaged ductwork. As air escapes through gaps in the ductwork, your furnace will have to work harder to reach your desired temperature. The harder the unit works, the higher your bill gets.
2. Strange Noises From the Ductwork
It’s normal to hear your HVAC system during a cycle, but the sound should be relatively quiet and remain in the background. Unusual sounds like banging, popping, or whistling could indicate your ducts are damaged. In the case of a serious air leak, you may hear the telltale whistle of air squeezing out through the crack. A loud sound like booming or clanging could mean the ducts are improperly fitted. As warm air moves through the ducts, the metal naturally expands. When this happens to improperly fitted ducts, the edges of each segment of ductwork will clatter against one another instead of expanding smoothly and quietly.
3. Uneven Temperature Throughout Your House
It’s your ductworks job to provide your house with even, consistent heating and cooling to every room. That means you shouldn’t notice a major temperature fluctuation as you walk around your home. Big fluctuations in temperature usually mean you have damaged ductwork that’s causing an air leak. When air leaks from the ducts, it becomes trapped behind the wall instead of passing through a register into your living space. If an air leak isn’t the issue, then your ducts may be suffering from a block. A thorough duct cleaning can clear the ducts and restore proper airflow.
4. Poor HVAC Airflow
Weak airflow occurs when the supply of air to your HVAC is cut off or reduced. This issue can usually be detected by placing your hand over a floor register while the heater is cycling. If the vent is fully opened, but you’re still struggling to feel airflow, then there could be a major issue with your ductwork. Either a significant amount of air is escaping through a crack in the ducts, or something is preventing your heater from receiving air in the first place. This second problem can be due to cracked duct joints, improperly installed ductwork, an obstruction, or a severely clogged air filter.
5. Smelling Mildew
Mildew can pop up wherever moisture meets warm temperature. While healthy ductwork is airtight, damaged ductwork can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If there’s a crack or break in the ductwork, it allows ambient air to come in direct contact with air leaking from the ductwork. And since the air within the ductwork is much warmer than the ambient air, moisture can form where the two meet. This creates the perfect condition for mildew. If you smell mildew while your HVAC is running, then you may have a cracked segment of ductwork that has become moldy.
Air Duct Repair Company in Farmingdale
If your ductwork requires professional service, you can trust the team at B.A.C. Systems Inc. to restore them to working condition. We’re proud to be a locally owned and operated company serving homes and businesses throughout Farmingdale. Since going into business in 2004, we’ve become an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau and earned an A+ rating from Angie’s List and the BBB. In fact, our clients are so happy with our work that we have a 90% referral rate.
For ductwork repair and replacement that’s high-quality, honestly priced, and completed promptly, look no further than B.A.C. Systems Inc. We’re proud to offer a wide range of heating and cooling services for your home. We also work with roofing, siding and windows, gutters, and masonry. If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today.
