Your Nashua, NH home has a series of ductwork installed throughout it. This ductwork is part of your HVAC system and helps to circulate conditioned air throughout your living spaces. If you have the proper amount of ductwork in place and it’s in good condition, then you can maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. On the other hand, if your ductwork has some issues, you might experience issues like hot or cold spots, poor indoor air quality, and more. Here’s what you need to know about your HVAC system’s ductwork and the ways you can maximize its efficiency with a bit of ongoing HVAC maintenance.
What Is Ductwork?
Consider the ductwork in your home to be like your body’s circulatory system. The thermostat controls your HVAC system just as your brain controls your body. Your ductwork is like your veins and blood vessels, helping to circulate air throughout your home just like blood is circulated throughout your body. You also have return air ducts, which are used to bring new air into the process. Vents in each room of your home allow air to enter your living spaces.
Ductwork must be proportionately sized, intact, and located in all necessary areas. If this isn’t the case, your indoor air may not be at a consistent temperature. You may also have a large concentration of particulate matter circulating in your air. This includes things like pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds. Not having enough ductwork or having too much can cause your system to cycle on and off more frequently, placing additional strain on your components.
The correct ductwork setup will protect the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. Your system will work more efficiently, which reduces the strain, and it will heat and cool more effectively.
Common Ductwork Changes
If we inspect your ductwork and determine that there are certain issues, we might recommend making common modifications. For example, a plenum connects your furnace to the main line of ductwork. We recommend having a new plenum installed if you’re having new equipment installed. Otherwise, damage to the original plenum during the removal of old equipment and installing new equipment could result in efficiency loss and uncomfortable indoor air.
The series of ductwork that attaches to the plenum and circulates air to the various vents in your home may need to be repaired. The life expectancy of ductwork is around 15 to 20 years. We may notice cracks and gaps in your ductwork, which allow conditioned air to escape and contaminants to enter your system.
Ductwork dampers are components that allow you to control the flow of conditioned air throughout your ductwork. You can adjust dampers to allow more or less airflow to a specific branch of your ductwork system. Some homes may not have enough dampers, and we can install these onto your system as a beneficial modification. Consider partially closing dampers to areas of the home that are not used very frequently. However, never completely close off areas of the home. This isn’t beneficial for your HVAC system, your home’s comfort, or your indoor air quality.
When to Consider Modifying Your Ductwork
Before you take any steps to modify your existing ductwork, it’s beneficial to have our team inspect your current setup. Modifications are usually necessary when your initial ductwork design is insufficient for your home. Furthermore, you might have added square footage onto your home at some point, which affected your HVAC system’s ability to keep your home healthy and comfortable. The goal is to achieve proper pressure levels in your airflow. We consider the power and size of your current HVAC system as well, which can change when you have new equipment installed.
Some homes have no existing ductwork. This is especially likely in older homes with baseboard heating or radiators or that use window units as the primary way to heat or cool living spaces. Mini-splits are a popular option for conditioning your air, but they do not require ductwork in the home. If you’re converting to a more traditional HVAC system, you will need to install ductwork.
Watch out for any signs of inadequate airflow, such as a very hot upstairs in the summer months, rooms that are very cold in the winter, etc. Many people attribute these problems to issues with their furnace or air conditioner. This equipment may be working just fine, but the ductwork isn’t transferring enough air to certain locations.
The Importance of Repairing Ductwork Damage
If you have gaps, cracks, or other damage to your ductwork, this could greatly compromise the integrity of your indoor air. Particulate matter can enter your ductwork through these spaces, and these particulates then circulate into your home. Particulate matter can also enter your heating and cooling equipment, causing problems. Insects and pests will be attracted to the dark and comfortable environment that your ductwork offers. This can lead to these intruders building nests and depositing waste material into your ducts, greatly compromising your indoor air quality. You may need to work with a pest control specialist to address an infestation. You’ll then need to have your ductwork cleaned professionally to remove any material that was left behind.
The Cost of Ductwork Modifications and Repairs
New ductwork doesn’t have to break the bank. If you need to install a whole new system of ducting, the cost will be higher. However, replacing the plenum or small sections of your ductwork may only cost you a few hundred dollars. Damper installation also tends to be very affordable. Brand-new trunk lines will cost a bit more, but this investment can save you money on your energy bills by improving your system’s overall efficiency.
Sealing Your Ductwork
Duct sealing is the process of finding any leaks or cracks in your ductwork and then fixing them. Various materials can be used to seal ducts from both the inside and outside. This process can enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system, but it can also protect your indoor air quality. Duct sealing can also protect the integrity of your ducting system, reducing the need for repairs or replacement.
Mastic tape is an adhesive-based product that can be applied to joints and connecting points in your ductwork. It can be used on tiny hairline cracks in your ductwork. Liquid sealants provide flexibility with where they can be applied. They cure to form a very strong seal that keeps conditioned air in and contaminants out.
If you would like to learn more about the ductwork that is in your Nashua home, reach out to our team here at Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc.. In addition to ductwork installation, modifications, repairs, and cleanings, our company installs, repairs, and maintains heating and cooling equipment. This includes heat pumps, boilers, and ductless systems. We offer various financing opportunities and rebates that can help offset the cost of the work you have done.
Contact Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. today to schedule an appointment.
