Although much of it is likely concealed and out of sight, the HVAC ductwork in your Aurora, Illinois home has the greatest impact on your indoor air quality (IAQ). It’s also a significant factor when determining the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment. Despite being built to withstand constant changes in air pressure and air temperature, these systems do sustain ongoing wear. Thus, after about 15 to 20 years, your ducts will probably need to be changed. Following are several signs that the time to take care of this project is now.
You’re Buying New Heating or Cooling Equipment
Furnaces and air conditioners have average life spans of 15 to 20 years. Given that this matches the life span of ducting, most homeowners opt to handle all HVAC replacements at once. If you’re eyeing a new air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump, you should factor the costs of replacing your ductwork into your budget. Having new ducts installed at the same time as a furnace or an AC replacement is an effective way to optimize the efficiency of your entire HVAC system. With coordinated installations like these, we make sure that air ducts are the right size, have the right layout, and include the right features for properly supporting new heaters and air conditioners.
You Have Leaky Air Ducts
Leaky air ducts can often be repaired. Sudden or prolonged changes in air pressure, impact-related damages, and pest infestations are just a few of the many ways in which HVAC air ducts develop leaks. If you have leaky ducts, much of the heated or cooled air that’s produced by your HVAC system is likely being deposited behind your drywall. For instance, if your heater is on but your living space feels cold, you may be able to find a warm-to-the-touch wall that’s an indication of a leak’s location.
Leaky ducts make furnaces and air conditioners work harder than they should. They waste energy and money, and they shorten the life spans of heating and cooling equipment. Air ducts that are collapsed, punctured, or seriously dented should always be replaced. If major damages like these exist throughout the entire ducting system, all of your HVAC air ducts should be changed out.
You Want to Zone Your Home for Efficiency
Ductless mini-split heat pumps make it possible for homeowners to selectively heat and cool specific areas of their properties. As such, they aren’t wasting money on conditioned air for rooms or zones that aren’t being used. Fortunately, central HVAC systems can now be zoned for efficiency, too. This process requires the installation of bypass air ducts, air duct dampers, and additional thermostats. If you’re interested in home zoning, it might be best to have your entire duct system replaced or reworked.
Your HVAC Air Ducts Weren’t Designed and Installed Correctly, to Begin With
If your HVAC air ducts are too long, too small, or ill-shaped for adequately supporting your current heating and cooling equipment, replacing them now could spare you a number of problems. With properly sized and installed air ducts, your heating and cooling equipment will last longer, your home energy bills will be lower, and your living space will be noticeably more comfortable.
You’ve Been Struggling With Recurring Mold Issues
If you’ve been fighting mold in your home for years and to no avail, aging ductwork could lie at the heart of the problem. When mold forms in aging ductwork, mold spores are circulated throughout the entire building every time the air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump is turned on. Recurring mold problems may be the result of excess humidity or other issues, but aging and infested ductwork will always complicate efforts to treat mold.
Your Indoor Air Quality Plan Requires Ductwork Modifications
Protecting and improving indoor air quality is an increasingly common concern. Although standard HVAC air filters can remove larger airborne particulates, many common allergens and contaminants pass right through them. If you intend to install an HVAC air filter with a much higher maximum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating, or if you’re interested in integrated HVAC accessories, ductwork modifications or new ducting may be in order. Major ductwork alterations could be necessary for accommodating a whole-house dehumidifier or a whole-house air purifier. These changes might also be needed for media filters, HEPA filters, or air scrubbers.
Residents of Aurora, Illinois can count on us for cutting-edge home comfort solutions. We offer furnace and air conditioner installation, maintenance, and repair services. We also provide ductwork installation, duct cleaning, and duct modification services.
To get started, call Service Plus today!