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Ductwork is one of the most ignored areas of your heating and cooling system. In many homes, improperly installed or neglected ducts lead to energy wastage and compromised comfort.

To ensure your indoor comfort and protect your AC’s ducts, it’s important to have your air ducts maintained by professionals. Inefficient air ducts make your air conditioning system work harder. Annual maintenance addresses issues like leaks and blockages, ensuring energy efficiency and optimal system performance for a more sustainable and comfortable home.

Learn the benefits of air duct cleaning and maintenance and how these services can save you money, protect the investment of your HVAC systems, and keep your home comfortable.

You Could Be Losing 30 Percent of Your Home’s Airflow

Did you know that between 20 percent and 30 percent of the air circulating through your home’s ducts is lost due to leaks, holes, and poor connections? These seemingly minor issues can have a major impact on your energy bills.

Nearly half of your energy expenses are dedicated to heating and cooling your home. It’s a substantial investment, and any wastage due to inefficient ducts means you’re losing money that could be better spent elsewhere.

Ducts running through unconditioned spaces like attics, crawl spaces, and unheated basements and garages are the primary culprits behind this energy loss. Identifying and addressing these issues is not just about saving money; it’s also about optimizing your home’s ductwork efficiency and ensuring that every bit of energy you pay for is actually keeping you comfortable.

Signs of Bad Ductwork

From decreased comfort to increased energy bills, there are many drawbacks to faulty air ducts. That’s why when you notice problems with your home’s ductwork, you need to have them addressed by professional technicians as soon as possible.

Here are a few symptoms of bad ductwork you should look for in your home:

• High utility bills all year long
• Stuffy rooms that never seem to feel comfortable
• Flexible ducts that are kinked or tangled
• Ducts that are located in attics, crawl spaces, or the garage
• Rooms that are hot in the summer months and cold in the winter months

Problem Areas to Look for in Your Home’s Ductwork

How do you pinpoint the areas in your home that are responsible for losing air? There are a few things you can do to find problem areas, including:

• Checking for gaps or loose connections between different ductwork sections
• Examining tubing for any holes contributing to energy loss
• Inspecting connections where they meet floors, walls, and ceilings
• Examining spots commonly known for leaks
• Checking for disconnected ductwork
• Using mastic tape to seal any identified leaks or loose connections

If you notice any holes, leaks, or gaps in your air ducts, don’t use duct tape. While the names sound synonymous with each other, it is not a long-term solution. After a few months, it will lose its grip, and air will leak around it.

Instead, you’ll be better off using mastic or foil tape. These types of tapes are designed to seal ducts and do a much better job.

Additional Ways to Maximize AC Efficiency

While repairing your air ducts will help you maintain a comfortable home and keep your energy bills at bay, there are additional ways you can improve your home’s energy efficiency. From making sure you have adequate insulation installed in your attic to updating your thermostat, take these beneficial measures:

• Regular Maintenance: One of the most reliable solutions for energy efficiency is scheduling AC maintenance checks every year. These services help ensure all components are clean and functioning optimally.
• Replace Air Filters: Regularly change or clean air filters so that your system can efficiently provide your home with cleaner air.
• Upgrade Your Thermostat: Update your thermostat to either a programmable or smart one. These modern devices help you create a plan that meets your schedule and needs, optimizing overall efficiency.
• Install Window Coverings: Use blinds or curtains to block out sunlight, reducing the workload on your AC during hot weather.
• Ensure Proper Insulation: Adequate insulation in walls and attics helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, helping improve the AC’s efficiency.
• Consider Shade: Plant trees or use external shading devices to shield your AC unit from direct sunlight, improving efficiency.
• Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment: Invest in newer, more energy-efficient AC units to benefit from advanced technology and better performance.
• Limit Heat-Generating Appliances: Reduce usage of heat-producing appliances, such as ovens and stoves, especially during peak cooling times.
• Promote Ventilation: Use exhaust fans and natural ventilation to enhance overall airflow and cooling efficiency.

If you think your home may have poor ductwork, turn to a team that knows how to fix disconnected air ducts. Our professionals at Home Comfort Experts are dedicated to keeping your home comfortable and energy bills low. We provide thorough air duct cleaning and maintenance services in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our technicians.