Tag: ducts

FAQs About the Home's Air Ducts

What Is Ductwork? What Does It Do? 

Ductwork refers to a series of insulated passageways that regulate airflow from the air conditioning unit. They’re the pathways that conditioned air takes to get distributed throughout the house. Air ducts are essential to central air systems, and there comes a time when homeowners might need to call professionals to clean, replace, or repair them. This post will answer some common questions homeowners may have about their ductwork.  

How Long Does Ductwork Last? 

replacementMost air ducts can last 15 years. However, when they become that old, they can start to deteriorate and become damaged, at which point it can be cost-effective to replace them to improve the HVAC system’s efficiency. Factors that can affect the lifespan of ductwork include: 

  • The duct materials: Aluminum and galvanized steel can last decades with little damage. 
  • Environmental factors: High humidity, extreme temperatures, and the condition of the home itself can take years off the ductwork’s longevity
  • Regular cleaning and maintenance: While homeowners rarely have to clean their air ducts, cleaning and maintaining them as needed can add to their lifespan. 
  • Usage patterns: A home that uses the AC system constantly may put more wear and tear on the system and ductwork than a home that doesn’t use it as often. 

What Are Signs Air Duct Repair Is Needed? 

Some of the signs the ductwork needs repair include the following:

  • Energy bills are higher than usual
  • The smell of mold or mildew
  • Unusual sounds from the air ducts
  • Dusty and dirty air vents
  • Poor airflow
  • Inconsistency in the temperatures of different rooms

If any of these signs are noticed, it is important to have the air ducts inspected and repaired by a professional. Ignoring these problems can lead to adverse health symptoms and inefficiency with the HVAC system, causing higher heating and cooling costs.

When Should Homeowners Get Air Duct Cleaning? 

dirtyDirty air ducts can negatively affect a home and the health of those inside. However, cleaning the air ducts when needed can help reduce allergens and improve the health of residents. Duct cleaning may be needed if: 

  • There’s recently been a home remodeling project
  • The home’s vents are dirty or dusty
  • The house is dustier than usual
  • Mold is growing on or near vents
  • Allergy symptoms worsen
  • There’s a pest infestation 
  • The home smells musty
  • Energy bills are higher than usual

About Morrow Mechanical 

Morrow Mechanical has over 20 years of experience serving Spring and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, extended hours, and always on-time service. Call them today for ductwork services in Spring, TX.

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How To Know When Air Ducts Need to Be Repaired or Replaced

When to Consider Air Duct Replacement

Air ducts are a crucial part of a heating and air conditioning system and the conduits for the conditioned air to be distributed around the home. Damaged air ducts can cause a house to be uncomfortable and can be terrible for a home’s utility bills. Air ducts are like the veins and arteries of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; keeping them in working order is vital to the overall system's function.

What Indicates a Damaged Air Duct?

smell If a home’s ducts are damaged, there will be signs that indicate it. There are several obvious indicators that ducts have sustained damage or require attention. They include:

  • Malodorous Vents: If unpleasant smells come from the ducts, this indicates several possibilities. It can mean mold or mildew growth, or some sort of pest may have taken up residence inside. While neither of these options is pleasant, professionals can fairly easily remedy them.
  • Unusual Noises: Whistling and whooshing sounds can mean that there are punctures in the air ducts. Scratching and skittering sounds can indicate pests.
  • Low Airflow: If certain rooms do not seem to be getting the proper amount of airflow, there may be a block or some kind of damage to the air ducts.
  • High Energy Bills: Damaged air ducts are inefficient, and the HVAC system must work harder to keep the home cool. Thus, the utility bills will be higher.

Why Should Ducts Be Replaced?

save There are many benefits of air duct replacement. While most people are hesitant to spend money, the cost of repair is outweighed by the efficiency of a completely functional HVAC system. The repairs often pay for themselves over time through savings on the utility bills. This is just one major benefit of having ducts replaced by professionals. Here are some others:

  • Less noise
  • More consistent temperatures
  • Better indoor air quality (IAQ)
  • More energy-efficient system
  • Less likelihood of future problems

What Are the Methods of Duct Repair?

Air duct replacement and repair are fairly simple for the trained HVAC pro. Repair methods include things as simple as patches and caulking to slightly more complicated techniques involving spray lining using an aerosol-based sealant. While these sound like methods that might be appropriate for a DIY repair, repairing ductwork is not as simple as it seems. 

A homeowner should leave it to the professionals because they can use the proper tools and know the appropriate methods of checking their work to verify that the problem is indeed solved. Allowing a professional to complete the project gives the homeowner peace of mind and prevents injury or damage that might be caused to someone who tried to perform the repair without any training.

About Morrow Mechanical

Morrow Mechanical has over 20 years of experience serving its neighbors in Spring, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, same-day service, financing, and extended hours. Call them today for heating and air conditioning services in Spring, TX.  

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Get the Air Ducts Cleaned This Spring

Everything You Need to Know About Air Duct Cleaning

It’s springtime, and that means dusting off the spring cleaning checklist. Spring cleaning to-do lists are full of annual tasks that keep the home and its equipment clean and problem-free. One task often left off of checklists is duct cleaning. 

Duct cleaning is important because clean ductwork is the backbone of any home cleaning strategy. Here is a quick guide from local indoor air quality experts to encourage homeowners to protect their homes with spring duct cleaning. 

Why is Duct Cleaning Necessary?

duct
Numerous studies demonstrate that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air, so duct cleaning is important. People spend more time indoors, constantly exposed to poor indoor air quality. As an air conditioner moves air around the house, low-quality air is continuously being circulated through ductwork where it can accumulate pollutants like:
  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Mold
  • Mildew

Spring cleaning is all about getting a fresh start for a clean home. However, if spring cleaning doesn't extend to ductwork, no amount of dusting or vacuuming can remove the nasty pollutants constantly circulating the home. Frequent exposure to low-quality air can lead to all kinds of respiratory problems, including worsening allergy symptoms. 

When is it Time to Get Duct Cleaning?

More than ever before, people are conscious of the air that they breathe. There are numerous things homeowners can do to improve air quality, and one of the most effective is duct cleaning. But, how do homeowners know when it’s time to get their ducts cleaned? Look for things like:

  • Time: Professionals recommend duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years in most cases, depending on factors like the age of the AC system and the presence of certain things in the home, like pets. In some cases, homes could benefit from more frequent duct cleanings. 
  • Odors: Sometimes odors are present that air fresheners can’t cover up. Usually, this is a sign that mildew and mold are growing in the ductwork. Homes that have a clammy, musty odor usually have dirty ductwork. 
  • Symptoms: The main motivation for air duct cleaning is to protect lung health. Symptoms that could indicate poor air quality are asthma symptoms, sinus infections, and extreme allergy symptoms. 

 

What Other Tasks Support Cleaner Ducts? dust

Some additional steps should be taken by homeowners who want to ensure their indoor air quality stays high between duct cleanings. Keeping the house clean ensures the air people are breathing inside the home is safe, so practices that keep air ducts clean also support a cleaner home. To keep the house and its air cleaner for longer, try things like: 

  • Groom pets and keep litter boxes and bedding clean
  • Upgrade air filters to better models and change more often
  • Aim to wash sheets once a week and other bedding once per quarter
  • Vacuum weekly
  • Dust surfaces every month
  • Use dehumidifiers and air filters to remove excess moisture and allergens

 

About Morrow Mechanical

Morrow Mechanical has over 20 years of experience helping homeowners in Spring, TX, and The Greater Houston Area find AC and heating solutions. They offer same-day service, extended hours, and honest, upfront pricing. Stop suffering from allergies at home and call them today for indoor air quality services in Spring, TX.

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