We’ll start by saying, we’re definitely talking about a negative impact, not a positive one.
If you live in Oklahoma City, having a heater that works as effectively and efficiently as possible is absolutely imperative. If you want yours to do this, then it’s important to pay attention to the “V” part of “HVAC”—your ventilation that connects your furnace or heat pump to the outside, making the distribution of conditioned air possible.
This ventilation system is made up of several sections of air ducts, and they’re typically hidden out of sight, behind walls, under floors, or in your attic and crawlspace.
The Need for Duct Repair
Unfortunately, if your ventilation system wasn’t properly installed, or if it is aging to the point that it’s starting to degrade, then there is a good chance that it has accumulated damage and that you’re in need of duct repair services—or duct sealing.
If your ducts have accumulated leaks, have poor connections, or were constructed poorly, this will all negatively affect your overall heating performance, leaving you paying more for less comfort. But what can cause these duct repair needs?
Were Your Ducts Properly Sized to Begin With?
This is surprisingly common, unfortunately, among less experienced HVAC “professionals.” Improperly sized air ducts are one of the biggest issues that homeowners face if they don’t hire a pro for their ductwork installation. Unfortunately, if this is the case in your home, it will cause problems right from the very start, by way of airflow restriction.
This makes a good deal of noise if this is the case, but homeowners often pass this off as just a normal part of HVAC operation even though it’s not. Your ductwork will make some noise as the temperatures within them fluctuate, but it shouldn’t be so loud that it’s noticeable.
If ventilation systems are too large for the heating or cooling system they’re installed with, it creates reduced airflow, resulting in uneven temperatures throughout the home, since conditioned air won’t be reaching all of the vents. Studies show that improper ductwork design or installation can account for over 30% loss in heating (and cooling!) efficiency.
This not only strains your HVAC system, but it’s bad news for your wallet, too. Your heater and air conditioner can both struggle to reach the temperature set for it, and as a result, both systems will start degrading and aging rapidly. This means you’ll be calling for repairs due to broken down components such as motors, fan belts, and compressors. Additionally, you might find yourself facing a premature replacement for your HVAC system and the subsequent costs of doing so.
Other Ventilation Problems
Whether your ducts weren’t properly sized or it had bad connections, if your ventilation system was poorly installed then it can and will experience air leaks, resulting in a reduction in heating power from your furnace or heat pump.
Another problem that can affect any aging ductwork no matter how well it was installed, is if it’s placed in an attic with no insulation. During the summer, the sun beating down on the roof will impact it’s integrity, causing pinhole leaks and other damage. This can be fixed with professional duct sealing, which will restore your HVAC efficiency.
We’re the team to reach out to for your ductwork services in Oklahoma City. At Comfort Incorporated, we keep your family safe, healthy and comfortable–call today, service today!
