Proper heating and cooling are always in demand for homes in the United States. According to Comfy Living, the yearly demand for air conditioning in the U.S. was around 15 million units. That said, HVAC units aren't the only component homeowners need to familiarize themselves with. Ductwork is just as important to have a comfortable and energy-efficient home. This article will outline what ductwork is, common problems homeowners need to be wary of, and potential solutions to those problems.

The Ductwork Basics

Think of your heating and cooling units as the heart of your HVAC system. Just like the human heart, they need ways of carrying cooled or heated air throughout the home. Ductwork is the veins and arteries of your HVAC system. The return ducts take out warm air in the summer and cool air in the winter, while the supply ducts pump cooled or heated air into your home from your AC unit or furnace.

Functional ductwork is crucial for keeping a balanced and consistent temperature in every room of your home. It needs to be the right size for the heating and cooling demands of your home, and it requires an expert local HVAC contractor to install and maintain it over time. If there are problems with your ductwork, you could be left with spacey heating, poor air quality, and high energy bills. Let's take a look at the most common issues that you need to contend with.

The Issues

• Improper Design and Installation: Some problems may be unpreventable if your ductwork's design and installation were done poorly. If the ducts are too narrow or laid out inefficiently, your HVAC units could have a harder time supplying and returning air. The extra strain on your HVAC units can be reflected in your energy bills and could even make your home more uncomfortable.
• Leaks: Ducts need to be properly sealed and inspected regularly to make sure they aren't broken. If there's a leak, you can lose a significant amount of air as it moves throughout your home. Once again, this issue could raise your energy bills or cause you frustration.
• Dirt and Dust Accumulation: Another reason homeowners need to invest in regular heating and cooling maintenance is to keep their system clean. HVAC systems are responsible for filtering dust, pollen, mildew, and other substances from your air. A lot of this is done in the air duct filters. As the filters get clogged with dirt and dust, they will likely have a harder time performing properly. Your air quality could begin to suffer and your HVAC units may need to work harder to get air through the dirty filters. This could use more energy than an unclogged filter. An HVAC contractor can clean your filters to maintain peak efficiency and air quality.
• Poor Insulation: Similar to leaks, poor insulation can result in wasted air as it escapes the ducts before it gets to the other rooms in your home. If your basement or attic is much warmer or cooler than other areas of your home, it could indicate an issue with your insulation.

The Solutions

Luckily, there are ways to prevent these and other issues. You can speak with an HVAC contractor to figure out the improvements to make to your air ducts. A few solutions are detailed below.

• Regular Maintenance: Routine maintenance can help you resolve minor problems and prevent major ones. HVAC contractors can inspect your ductwork for leaks, poor insulation, clogged filters, and more. They can also tell you if your system's layout is ideal for your home.
• Added Insulation: Adding insulation to your ductwork can prevent condensation and retain your heated or cooled air within the ductwork so it reaches the other areas of your house.
• Additional Units: There are various add-ons you can connect to your ductworks to improve efficiency and comfort. A contractor can install a humidifier or dehumidifier to help you better manage the humidity of the air within your home. They can add more filters to eliminate dirt, dust, pollen, mildew, or even UV lighting to help kill germs. There are several options available and HVAC contractors can help you find the best way to optimize your ductwork system.

If you are looking for a heating and air conditioning expert to install, maintain, or repair your air ducts in McDonough, GA, turn to Harding Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Call today for more information!