Ductwork FAQs

Your ductwork system matters. A well-maintained HVAC is wonderful, but it doesn’t mean a thing when that cool or warm air can’t reach your room through the ducts.

Leaky or torn ducts are incredibly common.

Over time, these leaks can get worse and require professional repair services. If left alone, your HVAC system has to work harder to generate hot and cold air for the damaged ducts, leaving you with a needlessly high energy bill at the end of the month.

In today’s post, Air Authority in Cincinnati will cover frequently asked questions (FAQs) on ductwork. 

Disclaimer: Air Authority Doesn’t Perform Ductwork Repair.

Our HVAC contracting company diagnoses and prescribes product-based solutions for ductwork issues and primarily focuses on residential and commercial HVAC repair, maintenance, and replacement.

We’re often asked questions regarding ductwork in residential spaces.

What is Ductwork?

A system of metal or aluminum tubes, pipes, or channels that transfer hot and cold air from the HVAC unit throughout the home.

Why is It Important? 

Without clean, well-functioning ductwork, a well-tuned, high-performing HVAC unit is rendered useless. Air cannot travel from the unit into various rooms. 

What are Primary Types of Ductwork? 

Typically, ducts can either be made with sheet metal, fiberboard or be fiberglass lined. Ducts come in two broad classes: rigid and flexible

• Flexible ductwork: These are steel metal helixes, covered in flexible plastic encompassed by insulation; it can be bent to fit into tight, cramped spaces.

• Rigid ductwork: Metal, fiberglass, fiberboard ducts are all rigid and resistant to bending or breaking. Unlike flexible ductwork, rigid ducts are harder to put into tricky spots.

• Semi-rigid ductwork: It’s a mix between rigid and flexible, meaning that it’s still sturdy, difficult to puncture, while malleable enough to fit into difficult spots.

What’s the Most Popular Ductwork Used?

Sheet metal ductwork is used widely in homes and commercial business locations. This galvanized steel or aluminum is lightweight, mold-resistant, and easy to install.

What are the Signs of Damaged Ductwork?

If you walk into a room and it’s far too cold, whereas another nearby room is too warm, your ductwork is probably clogged up, leaving your HVAC system to work overtime to compensate. 

Related Post: What Can Build Up in Your Ductwork

Your monthly utility bill is high – out of the blue. Due to the inability of filtered air to get vented throughout your home, your furnace and AC will expend more energy to compensate, leaving you with a high energy bill to pay. 

You hear excessive noise. Sure, HVAC units make noise. But if it’s really loud and really annoying, your ductwork is probably rattling or whistling due to being disconnected, damaged, or loosened. 

Poor air quality is another sign to watch for. Are there air particles floating around the room? Is it dusty, dry, or difficult to breathe? You probably have debris clogging up the ductwork. 

Poor air vent location. If your vents are blocked by furniture or have been closed, the pressure builds up within the ducts, forcing air to return back to the HVAC system and pushing it harder to perform. 

What is a Ductless (Ventless) Air Vent? 

A ductwork system that does not filter air out of the home via a vent. Air gets released back into the room after moving through a charcoal or carbon filter.

How to Repair Ductwork in a Crawl Space or Attic? 

Duct sealant. Periodically check your ductwork’s sealant to make sure everything is tight and secure. You can do so by running your hand gently across the surface to feel for any air leaks. 

Duct connection. Ducts can get disconnected. It’s often due to rodents but it can be chalked up to house settling. Checking on these periodically is important. 

Duct insulation. If the insulation wears off, your crawl space or attic will get heated, but your rooms won’t. 

Contact Air Authority for Residential HVAC Repairs 

We provide comprehensive HVAC repair and maintenance services to homes and businesses. Whatever your problem, we’ll diagnose it and fix it in a timely manner. Contact us today for a  free quote.