When working properly, air ducts deliver conditioned air to various areas of your Bountiful, UT home. If your ducts are damaged, dirty or insufficient, indoor air quality can be affected. Due to its ability to increase allergy, asthma, and other respiratory issues, poor indoor air quality is something you should avoid.
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can even affect your mental health and cause long-term health issues.
How Ductwork Issues Affect IAQ
Even small holes and cracks in your ductwork can lead to the loss of as much as 20% of your conditioned air before it reaches the intended rooms of your home. These gaps can allow particulate matter, pests, and other contaminants to access and circulate through your ductwork. Pests can leave behind nests and waste material, forcing your HVAC system to run more frequently than normal and leading to high energy bills. Your indoor air will not feel comfortable or be healthy to breathe.
Dirty and damaged ductwork can impede normal airflow through your HVAC system and home. This can cause equipment strain but also lead to pockets of particulate matter and contaminants in your home. This creates an uncomfortable and unhealthy environment that can impact your sleep, well-being, and health. Ongoing exposure to allergens and toxins can increase inflammation in the body, raising your risk of certain diseases and chronic health issues. You may experience frequent headaches, coughing, sneezing, itchy skin, or shortness of breath when your home has poor-quality air.
Poor Indoor Air Quality and Duct Issues Indications
We recommend scheduling an annual inspection of your ductwork. We will ensure that your air duct has sufficient airflow and check for signs of damage or debris buildup. You should also monitor your home periodically for signs of indoor air quality issues, including dusty or dirty surfaces or filters that clog frequently. Vents that smell bad can indicate mold, mildew, a large amount of particulate matter, or an infestation in the ductwork.
Pay close attention to your energy bills. If your energy usage suddenly spikes without a similar change in weather, this may be the result of ductwork damage. Uneven temperatures can indicate ductwork damage as well, especially if your home was consistently comfortable to begin with.
If you or someone in your home experiences an allergy flare-up, asthma, or other health problems, indoor air quality may be the culprit. This is especially true if symptoms seem to be a problem at home and subside when away from home. People often head indoors to escape pollution and air quality issues outside. Indoor air quality is often worse than what’s outside.
Checking for Leaky Ducts
Finding leaks in your ducting early on can help prevent indoor air quality issues and damage to your HVAC equipment. If you have a leak, you might notice a slight breeze coming from the exterior of your ductwork. You might also be able to hear a leak in the form of whistling or whooshing sounds from the ducts. This is likely to be more common in areas with more air velocity, such as the joints and connection points.
If your ducts are pulling in air from specific areas of your home that are near a leak, some sections of your ducting could be dirtier than others. Look for debris buildup on or near your registers or vents.
While you might notice some minor duct issues yourself, it’s best to bring in a professional for an official diagnosis and repair plan. This will ensure you make the necessary improvements to support your indoor air quality. Attempting a DIY repair or maintenance can lead to obstructions in airflow, damaged ductwork, and heating and cooling equipment strain.
We can visually inspect your ductwork to check for large areas of damage along seams, elbows, and joints. Specialized camera equipment can also spot damage as well as debris.
Supporting Healthy IAQ and Ductwork Performance
In addition to having your ductwork regularly inspected, we recommend that you have your ductwork sealed periodically as well. This can be done with products like mastic tape or liquid sealants that harden as they cure. This will create an airtight system of ductwork that promotes comfort and healthy indoor air quality. Over time, these products can break down. It may be necessary to replace tapes or reapply sealants every few years. Make sure UL-approved products are used to ensure longevity and durability.
Your ductwork should be cleaned once every two to three years. More frequent cleanings are beneficial for those who suffer from allergies or chronic health conditions or those who have furry pets. We will alert you to any issues we find during cleaning, such as mold growth or pest material. These problems should be quickly dealt with by an experienced professional.
The relative humidity in your home should remain between 30% and 50%. If relative humidity rises, it creates the ideal environment for mold and mildew growth and a higher presence of particulate matter in the air. Dry air can also be irritating, leading to sinus irritation and dry skin. You can address indoor humidity issues using whole-home dehumidification or humidification equipment.
Consider upgrading your HVAC system to include air purification equipment. Instead of using a portable purifier to remove minimal particulate matter and contaminants from your indoor air, a whole-home model will address all air circulating through your ductwork and home. High-efficiency particulate air filters can trap as much as 99.97% of the particulate matter in your air.
In addition to enhanced filtration, UV-sanitizing lights on your HVAC system can eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microbes before they can circulate into your home or settle in your ductwork. These lights destroy the DNA structure of these contaminants, rendering them harmless.
Most residential HVAC systems can handle filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating between 8 and 12. Lower-rated filters won’t trap enough particulate matter while high-rated filters can be too restrictive and lead to HVAC damage. Change your filter once every 30 to 90 days to promote healthy indoor air quality and to keep your ductwork clean and clear.
Seal the gaps and cracks around your home to prevent pests from coming inside. You can use caulk, expanding spray foam, weather stripping or similar products.
Efficiently Using Your HVAC System
Periodically running your HVAC system can help reduce particulates in the air, control humidity levels, and help keep the temperature more comfortable. Reducing unnecessary wear and tear on your system can also reduce the need for premature replacement. If you ignore ductwork issues, you may find that you are turning on your heating or cooling equipment more often to accommodate comfort and indoor air quality needs. Ensuring your ductwork is well-sealed benefits your home, health, and the environment. Frequently using your HVAC system will raise your carbon footprint and carbon emissions.
Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators can assist you with your Bountiful indoor air quality needs, including installing whole-home air purifiers and humidity-controlling equipment. We also install UV lights and enhanced ventilation to ensure healthy indoor air quality.
Reach out to our team at Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators in Bountiful to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable and helpful team.
