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3 Signs of Blocked Air Ducts You Definitely Shouldn’t Ignore. It is said that up to 40 per cent of the warm air generated by your HVAC system can be lost through leaks, cracks, and faulty ducts. The consequence of this loss is a waste of power and money. In addition, all that heated or cooled air allows hot or cold air to enter your living space.
This means that signs of blocked air ducts may affect not only your heating and cooling system but will most likely affect your indoor air quality, too.
Blocked air ducts can lead to reduced airflow, increased energy bills, and decreased indoor air quality. Here are some steps to take if you suspect you have blocked air ducts:
- Check for blockages: Check your air ducts for any visible blockages, such as dust, debris, or animal nests. If you see any blockages, remove them carefully.
- Change air filters: Dirty air filters can cause blockages in air ducts. Replace your air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.
- Clean air ducts: Hire a professional duct cleaning service to clean your air ducts thoroughly. They can use specialized equipment to remove dust, debris, and other blockages.
So, what are the signs of blocked air ducts you need to know? Signs of blocked drains anywhere in your system may include strange smells, such as burnt rubber or any other smelly odour.
1. Temperature Fluctuations
If you notice that your home is experiencing temperature fluctuations, your air ducts may be blocked. This may lead to hot and cold spots around the room. In addition, temperature fluctuations may also lead to sweating walls.
The worst-case scenario is when temperature fluctuations lead to mould bloom and result in high indoor air pollutants.
2. Mould Issues
Blocked air ducts may also lead to mould growth around the house, particularly in areas with consistent moisture. This may include basements and bathrooms.
Your ducts and registers may also have a cottage cheese-like substance resulting from mould growth.
3. Furnace Malfunctions
If your furnace is experiencing issues with its performance and operation, it may be due to blocked air ducts. Blocked air ducts may lead to the failure of your HVAC system.
If signs of blocked air ducts are left unattended, the results may include worsened indoor air quality and higher energy bills.
How to Check for Blocked Air Ducts
First, check the filters of your HVAC system. If the filters are clogged, that may be why your system is operating inefficiently.
To properly check your air duct system, you should begin by examining the register covers. If a register cover is loose, then you may need to tighten the register. You may also need to remove the register cover to check the duct.
In addition, make sure you check your duct registers along with your central furnace duct. The best way to check for signs of blocked air ducts is to use a flashlight and thoroughly examine the duct’s inside. Use a mirror if necessary.
Finally, check if there is any buildup at the bottom of your duct. Most often, you will find dirt in your main furnace duct.
If you don’t find any signs of blocked air ducts, then you may need to reach out to a heating contractor to inspect your HVAC system.
How do I know if my air duct is blocked?
Reduced airflow: If you notice that the airflow coming from your vents is weaker than usual, it may be a sign that your air ducts are blocked. Uneven airflow: If some rooms in your house are getting less airflow than others, it may indicate that the air ducts leading to those rooms are blocked.
What happens if your duct is blocked?
Reduced airflow: The primary issue with blocked air ducts is reduced airflow. The blocked ducts restrict the amount of air that can flow through the system, leading to reduced heating or cooling performance and making your HVAC system work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Increased energy bills: When your HVAC system has to work harder to compensate for blocked ducts, it consumes more energy, resulting in higher energy bills.
How do I test my air ducts?
Testing your air ducts is an important part of maintaining a healthy indoor air quality and ensuring that your heating and cooling systems are working efficiently.
Visual inspection: Start by visually inspecting your air ducts to check for any signs of damage or leakage. Look for any cracks, holes, or gaps in the ductwork. Also, check for any loose connections or disconnected ducts.
Keep Your HVAC in Good Condition
While the signs of blocked air ducts may be substantial, there are also some minor signs you should watch out for. Some of those will include increased or higher heating costs, higher utility bills, and pest infestation such as cockroaches in your home. There are ways to tackle the problem before it reaches your living space, one of which is seeking the help of professionals.
Get quality air duct cleaning in Mississauga, Ontario today. Can Do Duct Cleaning specializes in duct cleaning services using first-rate equipment? Contact us! We service all cities across Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area.
