The Quality of HVAC Ductwork Impacts Your Bottom Line

When you’ve gone to the expense of putting in a high-quality, energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, you don’t want to affect its efficiency or shorten the life of the system with a mediocre support structure. Ducts distribute conditioned air throughout a building. Poorly insulated, poorly connected or leaking HVAC ductwork can result in loss of 20 to 30 percent of conditioned air, costing hundreds of dollars a year in heating and cooling costs, creating an uncomfortable and potentially unhealthy living space and overworking the system by up to 50 percent.

Air Ducts and Energy Loss

According to the Department of Energy, properly constructed and maintained air ducts are vital to achieving energy efficiency in an HVAC system. Pressurized air must flow through ducts and over the coils, with air flowing freely through both the supply and return registers. Leaks or improper joins affect the pressure in the system, resulting in loss of conditioned air and entry of unconditioned air. This loss of conditioned air means that the HVAC system must work harder to reach and maintain desirable temperatures and consume more energy to do so.

Air Ducts and Indoor Air Quality

A poorly designed or maintained air duct system affects indoor air quality in several ways. Leaks allow particulates to enter and circulate through the system. Animal dander, insect parts, mold, bacteria, dust and gasses like radon or fumes from chemicals are a few of the pollutants that can enter a leaking system. Many of these substances are allergy and asthma triggers that create an unhealthy environment for those who suffer from these maladies.

In Houston, high humidity is a problem during much of the year. Leaking ducts allow moisture into the system, creating an uncomfortable indoor environment. The air conditioner must work harder and use more energy to remove moisture. Excess moisture also creates an environment for mold, mildew and bacteria growth. Unchecked, these organisms can cause wood rot and create wet spots and mildew growth on walls, floors and textiles. They can also affect the health of those living in the building.

How Conditioned Air Mechanical Can Help

An HVAC contractor with experience in HVAC ductwork installation, repair and maintenance can identify leaks, improper joins or poorly insulated ducts and recommend solutions to improve the air circulation system in your home. Conditioned Air Mechanical has served the River Oaks, Bellaire and Sugar Land areas of Houston for more than half a century. We design, manufacture and install custom ductwork to make sure that systems are properly pressurized and energy efficient. Our technicians are certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the industry leader in technician certification. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, our technicians undergo factory training to stay up to date with the latest HVAC technology. If you need HVAC ductwork repair or if you would like to install a new system, please give us a call and talk to one of our technicians. We work on all makes and models of HVAC equipment.