Your HVAC system keeps you both cozy and comfortable when it is cold or hot outside. Modern HVAC units are smart and come with several intelligent features to keep track of the outside temperature and adjust the interior temperature accordingly. But it is the ductwork that is responsible for circulating the air inside the house. With time, it can experience some wear and tear. The signs may be evident but you may not be familiar with them. So, let’s know some common signs of HVAC ductwork needing repairs so you call in a heat pump repair expert promptly. This will help ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the HVAC unit as a whole.
Weak Airflow
One of the telltale signs that your heat pump ductwork is not working properly is weak airflow. A weak airflow could be due to several reasons. First, it could be due to cracks and leaks due to wear and tear. This is normal as it happens sooner or later with time.
Cracks and leaks could also take place due to rats and other intruders taking up accommodation during the winter season. As the temperatures drop, these uninvited guests look for warm places to rest with their families. So, they can chew on the ductwork and cause minor leakages or damage.
Furthermore, weak airflow can also be due to a lack of maintenance. One thing you need to keep in mind is that ductwork maintenance is equally important as HVAC unit maintenance. The reason is the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris.
HVAC ductwork does not come with filters like in the case of HVAC units. So, nothing is keeping the dust and dirt particles away. This means the HVAC ductwork should be thoroughly inspected and maintained regularly at the same time when the HVAC unit is looked after.
This not only reduces the overall cost but also improves both efficiency and effectiveness.
Weird Noises
Yes, HVAC ductwork can indeed produce strange noises. If you are chilling and having a good time watching a movie and suddenly come across strange and weird noises, you should check out the ductwork. An HVAC ducts producing strange noises means something is not right.
Any banging, rattling, or clanging noise that you typically hear from the HVAC system means it can be serious and needs to be looked at. In particular, if you hear some metallic sounds, it’s not a good sign. Some parts of the ductwork may be damaged and will need to be replaced soon.
Unfortunately, you might not be able to do this on your own. You will need to consult an expert who will perform a thorough inspection and fix the repairs and leaks.
Odd Smells
Another sign of damage or your ductwork needing repair is odd smells. While a musty, dusty smell is fairly normal due to dust and dirt buildup over time, if you come across mold or mildew, you should hire a professional to take a look as it can be dangerous.
Mold can grow due to moisture and humid conditions. It takes time to grow but if you can catch it in time, you will be able to get rid of it before it turns worse. Plus, mold is airborne spores that can result in respiratory issues.
But there are other smells you should be concerned about as well. For instance, if you come across a burning smell, it means there is an issue with the belt especially if it is accompanied by a squealing noise. If you notice a sweet smell in the air duct, the refrigerant is most probably leaking.
Then again, you will need to consult HVAC companies McLean so a professional can diagnose the root cause of the problem and fix it on the spot.
Leaks
As mentioned earlier, leaks can take place due to a variety of reasons. If you observe that the heat pump’s ducts are leaking water, it’s an obvious sign of a problem with the HVAC system or the ductwork. Mostly, a leakage in heat pumps and HVAC systems is caused by a damaged or clogged condensation pipe, but you should get the system inspected because it can be the ducts or something else.
Your HVAC unit might be leaking refrigerant, which can reduce the effectiveness of the unit and cause serious health issues. So, if you suspect something is off, you will need to shut down the unit immediately and schedule an emergency inspection.
High Utility Costs
HVAC ductwork is designed to circulate both warm and cool air while ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the HVAC unit. But it can also contribute to your monthly utility bills if you do not look after them. If you notice that your monthly utility bills are increasing and there is nothing to show for it, it most likely means that the ductwork is the culprit.
If the ductwork is the reason, the HVAC system is not going to be efficient enough. Restricted airflow will make it header for the entire system to work. As a result, the HVAC unit is going to try to make it for the loss of air. In the struggle for balance, the unit will utilize more electricity, which will lead to even higher bills.
Pests
A pretty good indicator that your ductwork needs inspection and maintenance is the presence of pests. Rats, rodents, and even cats can find themselves inside the ductwork to be safe and keep warm. Plus, the same rodents can leave behind droppings or bacteria that you do not want to breathe in the air inside the house.
If you observe strange noises coming from the ductwork along with a nasty smell, you will need to call a professional. The best way to prevent such issues from taking place in the future is by covering the HVAC system when it is sitting dormant.
Make sure to schedule both a pre and post-inspection and maintenance of the system before the seasons set in.
Does Expert Maintenance Help?
Majority of the homeowners are not aware of the fact that expert maintenance plays a crucial role in the longevity and prevention of most of the issues mentioned above. For homeowners, expert maintenance is simply an expense and can be done on their own.
But the fact of the matter is that a detailed inspection and maintenance of a duct system requires special tools and techniques. So, unless you possess them or are willing to put in the time and effort, you should consult an expert.
This will help ensure that your entire HVAC system and ductwork is kept in good working condition and that longevity is prolonged.
Conclusion
In addition to keeping a close eye on the HVAC ductwork for signs of issues, expert inspection and maintenance of your heat pump and furnace should always be your top priority. Hire a licensed and professional heat pump repair service Tyson’s Corner to get the task done without any complications. It is going to be the best way to make the most of your HVAC system.