Signs Your Air Ducts Need Repair: A Hanford, CA Homeowners Checklist

Around 90% of U.S. households use air conditioning. While an HVAC system can be a great asset in the winter and summer, it needs to be taken care of to do its job right.

If you have an air conditioning system, there may come a time when you need air duct repair. Damaged air ducts can lead to poor airflow and efficiency and need to be dealt with as soon as possible.

Fortunately, we’re here to help. In this Hanford, CA checklist, we’ll list the top signs that your air ducts need repair.

Loud Noises

Strange noises are a clear sign that something is wrong with your HVAC system. If you notice strange sounds, you’ll want to get your system inspected by HVAC services in Hanford. You may need to make repairs to the air ducts to remedy the issue.

Common sounds that you may hear include bumping, clinking, and banging noises. Metallic sounds, big thumps, and grinding noises may indicate that certain parts in your system are bumping against one another and causing problems.

Bad Smells

In addition to strange noises, strange smells can be indicative of ductwork problems as well. The smell of mold or mildew should alert you that there’s a problem that needs to be checked out by a professional.

Remember that mold issues can lead to health problems. If you have it in your ductwork, then it could cause you or your family to have difficulty breathing. This is particularly true if you have asthma or a similar condition.

In addition to mold and mildew smells, also pay attention if you notice any other odd smells as well. Take if you notice a burning smell or a sweet scent, which could be indicative of a refrigerant leak.

A Buildup of Dirt and Dust

A visible cue that your air ducts aren’t working correctly is if there is a large amount of dust building up on your air vents. If you see noticeable dust around the vents, it could mean that your air filter isn’t working as it should or that other issues need to be dealt with.

The buildup of dust and contaminants can lead to further damage to your HVAC system and could lead to high energy bills. It may be time to clean your air ducts or replace your air filter to eliminate the problem.

Increased Utility Costs

Many things can lead to your energy bills going up unexpectedly. One of the most common issues is if your ductwork is not working as it should. If airflow has been restricted or if there are leaks in the ductwork, then this could cause your HVAC system to work harder than previously to heat or cool your home adequately.

If there are problems, you’re likely wasting money on your utility bills each month. Getting your system checked out is a great idea and can allow you to ensure your system is working as efficiently as possible.

Inconsistent Temperatures

If there seem to be uneven temperatures throughout your home, it could be a sign that you need cooling and heating maintenance.

Take note if some areas of your home seem cold while others seem hot. Your HVAC system may not be distributing air correctly and there could be airflow restrictions that are causing problems. You’ll want to hire a professional to look at your air ducts to get to the root of the issue.

Weak Airflow

If airflow seems particularly weak, then you may need to get your vents and air ducts checked out. Air should be coming out of your vents with some force, and if it’s not, then it could mean that your ductworks are damaged in some way.

You may discover that there is a hole in your ductwork or that there are other issues that are leading to weak airflow. It’s also possible that an air filter or vent is dirty and not working as it should.

If you notice weak airflow in your home, you’ll want to get to the bottom of the problem. You may find that your air ducts need repair.

Pest Infestations

Another sign that you need air duct repair is if you notice pests in your home. Pests such as rats can end up chewing your ductwork and creating holes. Other types of pests can cause various types of damage as well.

It’s also possible that pests will leave behind bacteria and droppings. These can cause health issues as they’re pushed through the air vents in your home.

If you notice that you have a pest problem, you should have someone check out your HVAC system and air ducts to ensure that no damage has been done. In some cases, repairs will be needed.

High Humidity

Another sign that your air ducts need repair is if the humidity in your home has gone up. Your HVAC system should be working to eliminate some of the humidity in your home.

If it seems to be failing at this task, then it could be a sign that your HVAC system needs to be examined more closely. There could be a problem with your system air ducts or there could be another problem with the system such as with the evaporator coil.

Consider calling a professional to take a look at your system. They can help you get an idea of whether the functioning of your HVAC system is to blame for the increase in humidity.