If you use a traditional forced air system to cool your home in St. Augustine, FL, then you have ductwork. Ductwork is the delivery system for your cool air, and if it has cracks, holes and disconnections, the volume and quantity of your air will be greatly diminished. Why does this happen? Let’s take a look:
Decreased Energy Efficiency
When your ductwork has holes, cracks and disconnections, the air being pushed through the ducts by your AC’s blower can, and will, go through these openings. It’s estimated that faulty ductwork can account for as much as 30% of your home’s total air loss – a significant amount. To compensate for this tremendous loss, your air conditioning system will work harder, which means it will use more energy to achieve your set temperature.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
One of the functions of ductwork is to bring clean air into your living spaces. If your ductwork is riddled with holes and cracks, or portions of it aren’t connected, virtually anything can get into it. This includes outside contaminants, dirt, air pollution and odors. Once these items enter your ductwork, they have a direct path right into your home’s living spaces.
There are three ways to remedy the problem of faulty ductwork:
- Duct sealing – duct sealing involves using mastic, a fibrous adhesive, to seal cracks and holes for the long-term.
- Duct repair – sometimes certain parts of your ductwork may be too damaged to restore with duct sealing; in these cases, duct repair is necessary.
- Duct replacement – if you have ductwork that is beyond repair, such as sections that are fully corroded, duct replacement is recommended.
Our experts will determine which avenue is best for your ductwork and perform the work correctly the first time around. If you suspect you may have faulty ductwork in your St. Augustine, FL, home, call Climate Masters today.
