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When you’ve got issues with your HVAC system in the fall in Montana, you don’t have time to waste. You need to get to the bottom of it before you end up facing icy winter winds and freezing temperatures without a reliable heating system. But sometimes, it’s not your heater (or your air conditioning) causing the HVAC problems. Sometimes, it’s the ductwork itself. Here’s what you should know about your home’s ventilation system, the “V” in HVAC in Columbia Falls, MT.
Noises
It’s easy to think that a sound happening when your heat (or AC) is running is being caused by your furnace (or your air conditioner). But that’s not always the case. All kinds of noises can happen in the ductwork itself. What do those noises mean?
A rattling, clunking, or banging sound can happen when a section of duct has come loose, either from the rest of the ductwork or from the supports that should be holding it steady. The continued vibrations from your HVAC system will worsen this problem until you have it repaired, so don’t allow it to continue.
A whistling sound is made just the way you make it with your mouth. It’s caused by air being forced through a small opening. In your ductwork, an opening is a leak that should not be there. It will need to be professionally sealed. Despite the name, duct tape isn’t up to the task. It dries out in weeks or months from all the temperature fluctuations, but professional sealants will last for years.
Air Quality Concerns
Some amount of dust is unavoidable in life. But if you notice a gust of dust coming from your vents when the heat turns on, or if your home seems to have far more dust than it used to, it could be due to ducts in disrepair. Cracks, tears, or holes in your ductwork can allow the air pressure of the HVAC system to pull air in from outside of the duct.
And what’s right outside of your ducts? Chances are, they pass through your attic or between your walls. These spaces are a dusty mess of spiderwebs, mouse droppings, sawdust, and insulation. You don’t want that sucked up and blown out into your living spaces. Duct repair can remedy the issue and help you breathe cleaner air this winter.
Discomfort
If you’ve noticed uneven or insufficient heat (or you were having trouble with that during AC season) or a lack of airflow from some of your vents, damaged ducts could be to blame. You don’t want to be cold and uncomfortable this winter. Schedule a duct inspection with us so we can assess your home’s ventilation system.
Inefficiency
Heating is a huge portion of home energy use in Montana. People in our climate simply can’t afford to pay more for unnecessary increases to our already-high heating bills. Unfortunately, paying more than you should is common. It’s estimated that damaged ducts account for about 30% of heated (or cooled) air being wasted through leakage in the average American home.
If your utility bills have been creeping up, or if you simply want to make sure to avoid increasing energy use, have a qualified expert in all things HVAC inspect your ducts. Any damage can be clearly assessed. Repairs can be made for any damage, or, in rare cases, a section of duct with particularly bad deterioration can be replaced. Then you can stop worrying, breathe easy, and enjoy a cozy winter.
For all of your HVAC needs, contact Bill’s Superheat, Inc. today! Here to Save the Day!