Ductwork Maintenance

Maintaining your central heating and cooling system is crucial for getting the longest lifespan out of it. Proper maintenance of your system includes a list of standard maintenance procedures, including a thorough inspection of ductwork. Many A/C contractors offer standard air conditioner maintenance agreements that include ductwork inspections, but not all service agreements do, so be sure to ask your contractor beforehand.

How do contractors inspect ductwork?

When your air conditioning repairman checks your ducting system, he is primarily looking for any leaks, punctures, or holes. These flaws in your system let the treated air escape and untreated air enter the ducts, and ultimately your home. Leaking ducts waste treated air and energy by causing your system to work harder than it needs to. This translates into unnecessarily higher energy bills.

It is normal for ducts to develop leaks over time, since the adhesive used to bond the joints will eventually deteriorate. Also, accidental bumps that may occur during other home maintenance tasks, which require working in close proximity to ducts, may puncture or crush ductwork. Accidental indentations on ducts are detrimental to airflow because they divert the air. Although outer duct damages may be apparent by simple visual inspections, leaks aren’t always so obvious. This is why it is so important for your A/C technician to perform a duct leakage test in order to accurately measure the airflow and airtightness of your duct system.

Once your air conditioning repairman identifies and properly seals all leaks, he will go on to make sure that all ductwork located in areas in your home with untreated air (e.g. the attic, basement, or crawl spaces) is insulated. This is key to maintaining the heat or cold in the treated air as it travels through the ducts. A thorough ductwork maintenance service will also take care of other common ductwork repairs.

When should you service your ductwork?

Your home’s entire heating and cooling system should be serviced at least twice per year. Once before summer and once before winter. This way, your air conditioner, furnace, and air ducts are prepared for the use demands of the upcoming season. Keeping this biannual schedule is a great way to spot potential problems before they arise.

If you suspect that your airflow system is not up to par, contact a qualified air conditioning technician. For help finding one, give us a call at 866-97-ACPRO, and we’ll be happy to connect you.