When your ducts are not in good condition, it can lead to a variety of issues, from accelerated wear and tear on your air conditioner and boiler to leaks in connections, holes, dents in sections, and other problems. If your basement has moisture issues, it can even result in mold growth.
Mold can spread throughout the house when ducts are not functioning properly, resulting in unpleasant odors and damaging the air conditioning system.
The mold that circulates through the air conditioning system can even grow under the wallpaper and damage walls and other parts of the house structure. Any damage to the ducts can cause leaks that allow some of the hot, cooled air to escape from the air conditioning system.The same thing happens if any of the duct connections are poorly adjusted or if the ducts just start to deteriorate due to age. Studies conducted by the EPA suggest that, in an average home, about 20-30% of the energy used for heating and cooling is wasted as a result of duct leaks. This leads to increased energy costs, but also to a number of other problems that may not be so obvious. Mechanical damage caused by aggressive duct cleaning can cause damage to flexible ducts. When this happens, fiberglass is exposed and released into the air, leading to poor air quality and respiratory problems. Duct leaks can affect your finances in ways that go beyond rising energy costs and the need for more frequent repairs.
When the air that circulates through the ducts has a high moisture content, that moisture has nowhere to go and is deposited on the ventilation grilles and oxidizes the metal sheet. Damaged ducts are of no benefit to anyone and need to be repaired or replaced to prevent problems such as air loss, uneven heating and cooling, and dust buildup in the system. The fact that your air conditioning system can lose up to 30% of the hot and cooled air due to leaks in the ducts is certainly something you should be aware of. Like your air conditioner, air ducts can become damaged over time and need regular maintenance to keep working properly. If you hear strange, loud, or unusual noises coming from your air conditioning system, it could be a sign that your ducts are damaged.
Any holes in the ducts or poorly adjusted connections can allow cockroaches, mice, and other pests to settle inside. The experienced professionals at Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning have the skills and knowledge needed to diagnose and repair any problem with your home's ducts. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), professional air duct cleaning should be done every two years. Duct leaks also make it difficult for the fan to fully circulate air throughout the system. Your air conditioning system produces hot and cold air for your home but it is up to your air ducts to distribute it everywhere and into different rooms. Duct leaks can also cause problems with excessive moisture and condensation, which can create an ideal environment for mold growth inside ducts or other parts of your house.
