The In’s and Outs of Duct Repair

A centralized ventilation and air conditioning system in your home has many components to it. One of the core parts in ensuring your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are working optimally is the duct flow. Any disruption to your duct flow will not only leave you without centralized air but will also require specialized duct repair.

What Is A Duct?

Ducts are tunnels used to transport and remove air from ventilation systems. These tunnels ensure cooled air is delivered throughout your home and removes warm or stale air.

Types Of Ducts

There are different types of materials used to build ducts. There are two main types of ductwork structures; flexible and rigid:

• Flexible: This type of ductwork normally consists of a malleable plastic pulled over a metal wire coil to form a tube. The insulation can be done using glass wool or polyester fiber. Flexible ducting can be used as an attachment to rigid ductwork to supply air outlets.
• Rigid: There are many different types of materials used for constructing rigid type ductwork:
  • Sheet Metal Ducts: Most popular materials used are aluminum and galvanized steel. Both materials are easy to work with and install, providing a light finish. Galvanized steel has a zinc coating, which assists in avoiding rust accumulation and unnecessary costs of painting. Aluminum provides the agility to transform into any type of shape and can be customized to your requirements.
  • Fiberglass Duct Board: If you’re looking for a quieter HVAC system, fiberglass duct board is the answer. The panels used have the ability to compress sound and internally provide thermal insulation.

Common HVAC Issues Caused By Ducts

There are preventive measures you can take to make sure your HVAC system runs smoothly but due to the sensitivity of ductwork, there are some common issues which could arise if not properly installed or maintained:

• Air Leakage: Providing consistent and uninterrupted air flow is the main purpose of any HVAC system. If you experience weak or restricted air flow, this could be due to leaks within your ducts which may not be properly sealed.
• Clogged Filters: Air quality and inconsistent temperatures could be a result of clogged filters within your ducts.
• Abnormal Noises: Ductwork can be prone to cracks over a long period of usage. This would result in an abnormal whistling type sound, signaling there are inconsistencies with the distribution of air.
• Odors: if not cleaned regularly, moisture can form within ducts and result in mold. This often results in an unwelcoming smell.

Types Of Duct Repairs

Scheduling a duct inspection would be the first step in finding the problem and assessing the damage, if any. Depending on the issue being experienced, there are different types of solutions to repairing your duct.

• Duct Cleaning and Sanitizing: A professional duct cleaning will ensure the removal of any clogged filters and sanitizing the ducts will assist in ensuring clean air is distributed throughout your home.
• Sealing Repairs: If the problem is air flow and inconsistent temperatures, there may be a duct leak which requires sealing. We, at Art Plumbing, AC and Electric, use specialized technology called ArtieSeal to efficiently repair duck leaks.
• Ductwork Re-designs: The initial planning of your ductwork installation may be the cause of duct work issues. An incorrectly designed ductwork structure could damage your HVAC system. Having your initial plan reviewed by one of our professionals could highlight possible defects in the design.
• Adding More Vents: Installing additional supply and return vents to provide a better air flow will result in a more balanced air pressure throughout your HVAC system.

Ensure your HVAC system remains operating efficiently by identifying possible duct issues early and consulting one of our professional HVAC specialists at Art Plumbing, AC and Electric, to assist in repairing.