Unless you have a ductless system installed in your home, if you use forced-air heating, then you need sturdy ducts to distribute warmth around your home. Because the ducts remain out of your sight in most rooms, you probably don’t think much about leaks or other issues ductwork might encounter. However, as we’ll explain in this post, leaks occurring in your ductwork can have a serious impact on your heating system… all of it negative.
For Melbourne, FL heating services from repair to cleaning your ductwork, call on the skilled staff at Next Generation Air & Heat Inc.
Why leaky ducts spell bad news for your heating system
The main reason that a leak in your ducts will have a negative effect on your heater is that it will lower the air pressure inside the ducts. From the vent to the heater, ductwork needs to remain a tight seal to protect the air pressure. A loss of air pressure means a serious reduction in air flow and heating ability. If you notice reduced air flow coming from the vents, it can indicate leaks.
Leaks can also cause you heating system to start drawing air from other parts of the house, such as between the walls or the attic. These places usually are much colder than the rest of your home, and this will further hurt the heater’s ability to cool you down. (The air from these regions is often musty, so an odd odor from the vents can warn you about this.)
Finally, leaks permit more dust to infiltrate your ducts. This will reduce your indoor air quality, which is worrying on its own. But a dust build-up will also create greater air resistance, and it will start to clog up the air filter, which may eventually lead to damage to your heater’s internal components.
Get those leaks sealed—professionally
You need to get any leaks in your ducts fixed as soon as you can. However, don’t attempt this yourself with duct tape. Despite the name, duct tape is an inadequate fix for this problem. You need the assistance of skilled ductwork repair technicians, who will use mastic sealing to effectively close up any gaps in your ducts.
Next Generation Air & Heat Inc. has extensive experience working on ductwork. We can not only repair your ducts, but provide the necessary cleaning to eliminate any dust and dirt contamination they may have suffered from the damage. Contact us today for any Melbourne, FL, heating needs you have.
