How do you know if your air conditioning ductwork needs to be inspected?

The average home can lose up to 20% of its heating and cooling energy if the ductwork is improperly sealed or has loose connections.  

According to FPL, 50% of homes in Southwest Florida have leaky Ductwork.

So, how do you know if it is time to call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. to repair or replace or your ductwork?

For one thing, as a homeowner you can visually inspect your own ductwork.   

Most homes in Florida have flexible ductwork installed.  While Flexible ductwork has many advantages over sheet metal (Less expensive, easier to install), it is still plastic and will deteriorate over time.  After 5 or 6 years it would be a good idea to visually inspect the ductwork at least once every year.  You will want to see if there are tears in the protective coating of the ductwork, kinks, flattened areas, or even exposed insulation. 

If you have a preventive maintenance plan with Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc., let us know if you have any concerns about the condition of your ductwork and we will gladly visually inspect it for you.

Flexible ductwork is also very susceptible to damage from wildlife such as roof rats, squirrels, and raccoons.  If you even suspect you have had any critters in your attic, the ducts should be checked. 

Does your ductwork make strange noises - such as rattling, clanging, or banging sounds?  This can be an indication of loose connections and poor sealing.

Do you notice that some rooms feel warmer or colder than others?  Maybe you notice that some vents seem to have more air pressure at the register than rooms further away from the AC System.

And of course, just look at your utility bill.  Does your cost of electricity seem higher than it should be?

If you need repair or replacement of your ductwork, the best time to do it is during the coolest time of the year.  Attics in Florida get very hot in the summer, so most HVAC companies will give you a much better price so their valued technicians will not have to work in a 130 degree attic. 

If you have any more questions, or you would like to schedule a service or maintenance visit, please call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc., and let us help keep you cool (and lower your energy bills).