Our Denver-area customers depend on True Heating & Cooling to service and maintain their heating and cooling systems. Any time of the day or night, our NATE-certified technicians will work to keep your home at the right temperature.
However, there is a hidden part of your home comfort system that also affects the efficiency of your furnace or air conditioner. Your ductwork carries treated air throughout your home. Holes, leaks or blockages will compromise the performance of the whole system. Recognizing the signs of duct problems will help you find a solution faster.
Unexpected Utility Bill Costs
A sharp rise in your utility costs is often a sign of a hidden issue. Leaky ductwork allows treated air to escape into the walls or crawl space. A blocked duct will have minimal airflow. In either case, your equipment must work harder to bring a zone to the proper temperature. This extra work will result in a higher cost of operation.
You should also know that overworking your equipment will shorten its usable life. While we are happy to help you install a new furnace or air conditioner, no one wants to take on this expensive project sooner than necessary.
Pest Problems
During the heating or cooling seasons, flowing air discourages pests from exploring your ducts. However, there may be several weeks each year when your equipment does not run very often. In these quieter times, household pests may think that your ducts are a safe haven.
Insects and rodents can use your ductwork to reach other areas of the house. You may see signs like rodent droppings near vents. When the system fires up, there might also be unpleasant smells from these occupants.
If you suspect a pest infestation, you first need to contact a professional exterminator. Once you are sure that the unwelcome visitors are gone, our team can check your ducts for holes or leaks.
Mold and Mildew
If you have ever walked into a damp basement, you probably recognize the odor of mold and mildew. Unfortunately, the combination of cold and warm air around your ducts often leads to condensation. When moisture settles in your ductwork, mold and mildew can find a home. From there, colonies in your ducts send spores that can affect other parts of your home. If you notice any unpleasant smells when your system runs, it’s time to call the experts at True Heating & Cooling.
Strange Sounds
The metalwork in your home climate system is bound to make some noise as it expands and contracts with changing temperatures. You probably have a sense of what sounds are typical for your home.
When there is a problem with your ductwork, you may experience a new set of noises. Air escaping through small leaks can whistle and wheeze. Fittings that have loosened will bang against other parts. Any unusual sound is worth checking out. Handling the issue when it’s small can prevent an expensive emergency repair later on.
Dusty Vents
Your home comfort system has filters that are supposed to remove large particles of dust, hair, and dander from the air supply. Removing these impurities helps maintain the optimal operation of the equipment. When there is a problem with this setup, you may see excess dust around your vents. The repair could be as simple as replacing a worn-out filter.
Holes in your ducts can also serve as an entry point for dust particles. As the forced air rushes through the duct, it creates a vacuum effect that draws unfiltered air. Over time, dust will coat the inside of your ducts, leading to narrowing and blockages. You may notice that less air flows from the vents attached to the affected ducts.
Excess dust flowing from your home comfort systems can impact the quality of life for you and your family. People who are allergic to dust mites and pet dander may feel like they have a cold that never ends. If you suspect a problem with your indoor air quality, our team can provide professional IAQ testing and clean air solutions.
Dever's Choice For Home Climate Care
The experts at True Heating & Cooling are ready to meet your home climate needs. Since 2015, we have been helping Denver Metro-area residents stay comfortable in every season. We can assist with the installation, maintenance and repair of your heating and cooling systems. Our team will also address your indoor air quality concerns. To consult our technicians or schedule an appointment, contact True Heating & Cooling today.