How Damaged Ductwork Can Impact AC Performance
You rely on your air conditioning unit to regulate temperatures in your indoor surroundings during the summer. However, we all know that your AC can underperform in certain scenarios. This is especially true if your system runs day and night and is not maintained well. One of the most common causes of poor AC performance is damaged ductwork.
Your unit’s ductwork is a crucial part of your indoor cooling system. It allows cooled air to travel into your surroundings. Any ductwork issue impacts your unit’s efficiency and costs you in terms of repairs and utility bills. These are examples of specific ductwork malfunctions and how they affect the performance of your AC unit.
1. Ductwork Leaks
Leaks in your ductwork can create several AC performance issues. They allow conditioned air to escape into unconditioned spaces. This forces your cooling system to work even harder in an effort to regulate indoor temperatures. Unfortunately, the energy dissipated to handle the extra workload is wasted. Your environment will end up not getting as cool as it should be. Moreover, leaks can allow polluted air to find its way indoors. The presence of pollen, dust, debris, and other particulates will impact your indoor air quality.
Impact of leaks:
- Undercooled household
- Reduced energy efficiency
- Increased carbon footprint
- Higher utility bills
- Shortened unit life
- Poor air quality
2. Clogs
As your system works over the years, it is likely that some debris and other substances will build up in the ducts. Without proper cleaning, this can have a detrimental impact on your indoor environment. First, you’re allowing harmful contaminants in your indoor air. This can be very risky if you and your family suffer from respiratory conditions. Second, your unit will work even harder to try and expel air past the substances clogging its path. This not only impacts the system’s efficiency but also risks puncturing the ducts. Such damage may lead to leaks that will need to be repaired immediately.
3. Improper Design
Your AC may be in good condition but still unable to cool your home efficiently due to an unnecessary turn or collapse in the ductwork. A properly designed cooling system should allow air to flow throughout the home seamlessly. Improperly designed ducts could restrict your unit’s airflow. This may lead to issues with indoor comfort.
The negative impacts of poor ductwork design include uneven cooling, stuffy air, drafts, bad odors, presence of pollutants, intensified wear and tear, and so on. Pay attention to any tangled ductwork, and act quickly. Remember to leave all of your ductwork repairs to our experienced professionals.
4. Poorly Sealed Registers
If your ductwork has poorly sealed registers, it may allow air to escape before reaching the intended rooms. This has a significant impact on energy efficiency and costs. One of the quickest ways to diagnose this issue is to look at your skyrocketing utility bills. In addition, you may notice that some rooms seem cooler than others, which could be the result of register issues. Other than its efficiency, proper duct sealing can also improve your unit’s safety. Our competent team will make sure that all of your system’s vents, connections, and registers are well-sealed.
5. Dirty Air Ducts
Your indoor air quality is a crucial element of your respiratory health. However, if your ductwork is dirty, you risk breathing harmful air. As your cooling unit operates, dust, germs, and pollutants can find their way into your ducts. If your unit is not well-maintained, it can recirculate unhealthy particles throughout your home. Preventative maintenance procedures can greatly alleviate this issue. This is why it is very important to clean your system regularly.
Reliable Ductwork Services
Look no further than our company if you notice any signs of the aforementioned issues. We at Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling are known for providing dependable ductwork repairs in Olathe and the greater Kansas City region. We boast a team of skilled technicians who will leave your underperforming unit functioning in top shape. Each and every member of our team is geared toward making sure that your cooling unit meets your comfort standards.
Our solutions will make your household safe for both you and your family. Please call us today and schedule a convenient appointment with our capable team. In addition to ductwork services, we also offer AC repairs, installation, and maintenance and even heating and indoor air quality services.