January 3, 2022
Signs of Ductwork Damage in American Fork, UT

Air ducts are an integral aspect of your home’s ventilation, and without them, your HVAC system cannot distribute conditioned air throughout your home. While you probably don’t think about your air ducts because you don’t see them, they also need maintenance, repairs, and even replacement. So how can you tell it’s time to repair or replace your air ducts? Experts at Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing outline the most common signs you should watch out for to determine if your ductwork needs repair or replacement.

Noisy HVAC Operation

Your HVAC system naturally makes some noise while running. You should notice some sounds when you turn the system on and off. Also, you should hear air flowing through the vents. However, that noise should not be infuriatingly loud. If you notice unusual ghastly sounds coming from your system, your ductwork could be to blame. Vibrating or rattling noises can indicate loose ductwork or that its joints have an issue while hissing sounds signify leaks. Both of these problems can worsen if you don’t address them immediately and can reduce the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. If you hear your HVAC system making strange sounds, call the experts at Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing for inspections and repairs.

High Energy Bills

One of the most obvious signs that show you may need ductwork repair services is an increase in your utility bills. It’s common for some conditioned air to escape from your air ducts while traveling to the vents, but if a considerable amount of air finds its way out, your energy bills will increase. How does that happen? When you adjust the thermostat settings, it sends air through the air ducts to regulate temperatures in your home. However, if your ductwork is damaged enough to allow over 20% of conditioned air to escape, your HVAC system will have to work overtime to control temperatures, leading to high utility costs. If you’ve recently noticed an unexplainable increase in your energy bills, call an HVAC specialist to inspect your ductwork for leaks.

Uneven Cooling or Heating

Your HVAC system should maintain the same temperature level in every room. If you notice one or more spaces are noticeably warmer or cooler than the rest of the house, there might be a problem with your ductwork. Your ductwork could be improperly sized, leaking, or clogged in some way. An HVAC specialist from Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing can inspect your ductwork to determine if the uneven cooling or heating results from faulty ductwork.

Dusty Home

It’s normal to notice some dust in your home. However, if you have recently seen increased dust accumulation in your home, your ductwork might be the culprit. Leaky ductwork not only allows filtered air to escape but also allows dust and other debris to find their way into your vents, and your HVAC system disperses it throughout your home. You may notice excessive dust buildup on your furniture and other surfaces. In addition, dust, dirt, and allergens can put you at risk of developing health complications, including allergies and asthma. If you’re experiencing a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and breathing difficulties, you could be affected by pollutants entering your home because of faulty ductwork. We recommend changing your furnace filter first, but if that doesn’t solve the issue, it’s important you contact Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing right away. Otherwise, you run the risk of developing respiratory infections and allergies.

Musty Odors

Anytime you notice musty smells coming from your HVAC system, that’s a cause for concern and prompt action. If there’s mold in your ductwork, your system will disperse mold spores and musty smells every time it runs, reducing indoor air quality in your house. This can worsen asthma and allergies and potentially cause more severe health problems. In this case, although professional duct cleaning can help, complete ductwork replacement is the most viable solution.

Pest Infestations

When your ductwork has cracks or holes, it does more than allow air to escape–it could be allowing pests, including rodents and bugs, to enter. These pests can find a perfect breeding ground and cause more problems down the road. Some of the problems that these pests can cause include creating foul odors, making strange noises, and spreading disease-causing micro-organisms. In addition, pests can cause obstructions in the ductwork that can damage your HVAC system. If you spot dead insects or mice droppings near the vents or smell foul odors from the air ducts, call Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. You will have to get rid of these pests and get any cracks or holes in your ductwork repaired.

If any of these signs listed above sound familiar, call Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today. Our technicians excel at offering high-quality HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services. We’ve been serving the American Fork area since 1910. With our experience and a highly trained team of experts, we can offer you the service you need at an affordable price. Call Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today to request a quote or get more details about our services.

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