Just as a malfunctioning compressor can create system-wide problems for your air conditioning, so can faulty ductwork. However, because ductwork is mostly hidden behind your walls, it can take a while to detect existing problems. Faulty ductwork can negatively affect your system in a number of ways, which is why it’s important to hire a professional for ductwork repair as soon as you discover a problem. The NATE-certified technicians at Downtown Air & Heat are also air flow specialists, so call us today.
Problems Caused by Faulty Ductwork
Here are some problems that can develop due to faulty ductwork:
- Decreased energy efficiency – when air escapes from holes, cracks and broken seals in your ductwork, your air conditioner has to compensate for this loss. To do so, it works harder, and when it works harder, it uses more energy.
- Decrease in indoor air quality – cracks and holes allow outside particles, dust, dirt and fumes to enter the air flow. Once inside your ductwork, these items are delivered directly into your living spaces, and can compromise your indoor air quality.
- Backdrafting – if you have any combustion appliances in your home, such as a water heater, dryer or furnace, the exhaust from these appliances can be sucked into your ductwork through the existing holes and cracks.
- Increased stress on your system – faulty ductwork forces your system to work harder to achieve the set temperature. If your system operates for a long period of time with faulty ductwork, the extra strain can lead to potential breakdown, excess wear and tear and premature aging.
How Is Ductwork Fixed?
Ductwork can be:
- Repaired
- Sealed
- Replaced (if needed)
Repair and sealing would be the first step to take with faulty ductwork. To repair cracks and holes, a technician will use a fibrous adhesive called mastic to cover the damaged area, and then reinforce the mastic with a piece of professional-grade tape. The mastic is left to harden, which creates the seal. If there are disconnected sections, mastic will be applied to both ends, and the ends will be wrapped with a metal binding that is secured with sheet metal nails. As with cracks and holes, the mastic will harden. Replacement is necessary if a section of ductwork is too damaged to be repaired.
Faulty ductwork can result in problems with air quality, energy efficiency and stress on your air conditioning system. Fall offers a great window of time to address issues with faulty ductwork, so call Downtown Air & Heat today and schedule air conditioning service in Orlando, FL with one of our air flow specialists.
