Ductwork is a crucial part of the home. However, due to it being hidden location within your ceilings and walls, it can be difficult to know when it’s breaking. This post will explore a few signs that your ductwork might be wearing down and how to keep it durable.

Four Signs Your Ductwork is Malfunctioning

You Hear Strange Sounds: If you hear popping or slight wheezing sounds when you turn your A/C or heater on, it’s a concerning sign of your ductwork’s health. This usually indicates that there’s extreme pressure within the ducts that causes its metal pieces to warp. It could also show that there are punctures in it.

Your Home Has a Musty Smell: A strong musty smell is another sign that your ductwork needs to be looked at. This can be a mark of mildew growing within it which could be due to poor insulation or broken joints. While this might not seem concerning, it can be. This is because it shows your ductwork is blowing contaminated air into your home which could result in respiratory problems.

There Are Temperature Fluctuations: Ductwork is designed to flush hot or cold air into your home. If you turn your heater or A/C on and notice that the temperature isn’t balanced, it could be because your ductwork has a leak or blockage. Besides creating an uncomfortable temperature setting, the fluctuations could also raise your energy bill. This is because the system is working hard to reach your air specifications despite not being able to do so.

You Notice Pests: A pest invasion can be due to various things, including broken ductwork. If there are openings, creatures like rats and cockroaches could crawl through. This could encourage them to build nests in the system or in your attic which connects to it. If you notice pest feces or hear scurrying in the ductwork, immediately call a professional.

How to Prevent These Issues

If you want to keep your ductwork in good condition, consider these tips.

  • Frequently check for leaks
  • Replace the HVAC filters every two months
  • Get it regularly inspected
  • Add extra insulation

Ductwork needs to be maintained for many reasons, including to make sure you breathe in fresh air. If you believe your ductwork might be running into some issues, call Dale HCS in Santa Rosa. Our team can examine the system to see where there might be problems and determine the best way to fix them.