How to Inspect Your Furnace or Air Conditioning Ducts

Do you have uneven heating or cooling in your home? If you have central air and heat with a duct system, you may have a blockage in your duct system. Many items can find their way into the ducts and cause a blockage. This can cut off air to one or more rooms in your home, causing uneven temperatures. It can also cost you more on your energy bill and put extra stress on your HVAC system. Here are some tips on how to inspect your ducts to find blockages.

  • Check air flow. Turn on your heat or air and check all the vents in your home for air flow. If any do not have air coming out, there may be a blockage in that duct. If low air is coming from all ducts, check your air filter – it could be clogged and need replacement.
  • Remove vents. If there are vents with low to no air, remove the vent cover. This is often where debris gets caught, pushed up against the vent cover. Clean away any debris and check the duct for any blockages as far as you can see using a flashlight.
  • Make sure valves are open. If the vent and filter are clean, but there still is no air going to certain rooms, make sure the valves for the duct are open. Most systems have valves in the ducts to close air flow to certain rooms.

If after your inspection, you are still having air flow issues, call your local HVAC service team for a system efficiency analysis. There is possibly a blockage in your ducts that may need to be cleared by a professional.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 505-7426

How to Inspect Your Furnace or Air Conditioning Ducts

Do you have uneven heating or cooling in your home? If you have central air and heat with a duct system, you may have a blockage in your duct system. Many items can find their way into the ducts and cause a blockage. This can cut off air to one or more rooms in your home, causing uneven temperatures. It can also cost you more on your energy bill and put extra stress on your HVAC system. Here are some tips on how to inspect your ducts to find blockages.

  • Check air flow. Turn on your heat or air and check all the vents in your home for air flow. If any do not have air coming out, there may be a blockage in that duct. If low air is coming from all ducts, check your air filter – it could be clogged and need replacement.
  • Remove vents. If there are vents with low to no air, remove the vent cover. This is often where debris gets caught, pushed up against the vent cover. Clean away any debris and check the duct for any blockages as far as you can see using a flashlight.
  • Make sure valves are open. If the vent and filter are clean, but there still is no air going to certain rooms, make sure the valves for the duct are open. Most systems have valves in the ducts to close air flow to certain rooms.

If after your inspection, you are still having air flow issues, call your local HVAC service team. There is possibly a blockage in your ducts that may need to be cleared by a professional.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 505-7426

Are Your Ducts Drafty?

One of the biggest drains on heating bills is drafty ductwork. Poorly sealed ducts can lead to high energy bills, both during the summer and the winter. If your heated or cooled air is being lost as it travels throughout your home, you are paying way too much in energy bills. Before the colder winter weather hits, now is the time to have your ducts inspected to ensure you’re getting the most out of your heating system. 

Benefits Of Duct Inspections

It’s not uncommon for leaks and other efficiency issues through the ductwork of a home to go unnoticed. Since you can’t see inside them, it’s easy to assume they’re doing their job. However, if you have noticed an increase in your utility bills or members of your family are suffering from increased allergy symptoms, your ducts may be to blame. Having an annual duct inspection can provide many benefits, including: 

  • Detecting leaks. If there are small holes or cracks in your ducts, they may be leaking air. This can cause your utility bills to go up 20% or more, depending on the extent of the leaks. Sealing these problems can have a drastic impact on your monthly utility bills.
     
  • Dirty ducts. Dust, pests and mold can accumulate within your ducts, spreading allergens throughout your home. An inspection may uncover the hidden cause of increased allergy problems.
     
  • Back drafting. One of the most dangerous aspects of poorly sealed ducts is back drafting. Ducts often transport dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, out of your home. Leaky ducts can cause these harmful gases to be pulled back into your home, endangering your family. 

If it’s been more than a year since your ducts have been checked, call your local HVAC contractor to schedule an inspection. It’s worth the investment to ensure your HVAC system has ducts which are working efficiently and safely for your family’s comfort and health.

Posted on behalf of Find Local HVAC