Ducts are an essential part of any home's HVAC system, but they can be prone to damage over time. Whether the ducts are made of a softer, flexible material or are comprised of a harder metal or plastic, all types of ducts will wear out eventually. In this article, we'll discuss four of the most common causes of duct damage and how to prevent them. The first cause is age. Believe it or not, sections of the ducts may have collapsed or crushed over time.
This is especially true for ducts made from softer materials. The second cause is oxidation. This can occur when the air passing through the ducts has a high moisture content. The moisture in the air that condenses inside the ducts has nowhere to go, so it will settle inside the duct and begin to oxidize the metal with which it is in contact.
Moisture can come from a variety of sources, such as a humid climate or condensation from evaporator coils. The third cause of duct damage is an oversized air conditioner. If your air conditioner is too big and works too fast to dehumidify the air properly, it can lead to moisture buildup in the ducts. Finally, neglecting regular maintenance can also cause problems. Homeowners who don't keep up with duct maintenance may create a bigger problem down the road, as mold can thrive in neglected ducts and dust buildup can damage boilers, air conditioners, and other HVAC appliances. Your goal should be to conduct annual inspections of your ducts to avoid costly repairs and get the best performance out of them.
Additionally, you should not place anything above the duct system to prevent weight from crushing the ducts or restricting air flow. If you're looking for an alternative to repairing damaged ducts, consider switching to a ductless air conditioning system. Contact Dalton Heating & Air today for more information. Big Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning can provide you with expert air duct repair services if needed. You can also hire qualified service technicians to repair damaged ducts and restore comfort to your home.
Having an authorized service technician inspect the ducts will help identify rodents in the ducts and remove dirt and decaying organisms. Regular cleaning of the duct system will ensure that it is free of biological contaminants as well. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your home's HVAC system runs smoothly for years to come.