After your heating and cooling unit heats or cools air, it blows that air through ductwork into your home where it exits through vents. Ducts are flexible, thin metal tubes, which can rip or break due to age, pests, or the natural contraction and expansion they undergo as hot and cold air travels through them. When there is a hole, rip or tear in the ductwork, heated or cooled air can escape, rather than properly traveling through to your vents. This is why it is so important to have them repaired if needed. Here are two of the most common signs that your ductwork may have a rip or tear and need to be repaired or replaced.
Your Home is Heating or Cooling Unevenly
One of the top signs that your ductwork needs repair or replacement is your home heating or cooling unevenly. You may notice that one side of your home is warmer or cooler than the other side. This is because the side of the home without ripped or torn ductwork is being heated or cooled properly, while the side where the tear is may not be heating or cooling properly. When your home is not heating or cooling evenly, it can help a heating professional determine where the problem may be located.
Your Heating or Cooling Unit is Running More Frequently
The other major sign that your ductwork may need to be repaired is that your heating or cooling unit is running more frequently. You may notice the unit kicking on more often, or it may sound like it is running for several minutes longer than it normally does. When there is rip or tear in your ductwork, heated or cooled air is escaping. This means that your unit has to run for longer to heat or cool your home, which is why the unit is running more frequently.
These are two of the signs that your ductwork may have a leak and need to be repaired. Unfortunately, you may not always notice any signs that your ductwork needs to be repaired. This is why it is so important to have your ductwork inspected when you have your heating or cooling unit serviced. Here at Steve's Plumbing and Heating, we can help you with all of your heating and cooling needs, including ductwork inspections and repairs. If you are in need of a ductwork inspection or repair in the greater Marshfield, Steven's Point, Wausau or Wisconsin Rapids, WI area, give us a call to schedule your appointment.