Heating and cooling your home can account for nearly half of your annual energy bill, so it’s important to make sure that your ductwork is working as efficiently as possible.

Leaky ducts can cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, leading to increased energy bills and a shortened lifespan for your equipment.

Our guide will show you how to inspect ductwork for leaks and repairs, to ensure that your ducts are functioning at peak efficiency.

How to Check Your Ductwork?

To inspect your ductwork, start by removing the registers and checking for signs of damage, such as rust, holes, or separation of the seams. Make sure the insulation is intact and that there is no evidence of rodents or other pests.

Then check the inside of the ducts for dirt and debris. If you see any buildup, use a vacuum cleaner to clean it out. Be sure to wear a mask to protect yourself from any harmful particles.

If you have an HVAC system, be sure to also check the coils for dirt and debris. You can clean them with a garden hose if they’re accessible; otherwise, you may need to call in a professional.

How to Test Ducts for Leaks?

Another way to test ducts for leaks is to use a smoke machine. Turn on the smoke machine and check all of the joints and seams in the ductwork. You can also use a smoke pencil or powder (You can buy these products at most hardware stores – just make sure to follow the instructions carefully). If you see any smoke escaping, that means there is a leak. You can also use a lighted candle to check for leaks. Hold the candle up to the joints and seams in the ductwork. If you see any flicker of light, that means there is a leak.

How to Repair Leaking Ductwork?

If your ductwork is leaking, there are a few things you can do to repair it. First, check for any obvious signs of damage, such as holes or cracks. If you find any, you can use duct tape or Seal-All to seal them up.

If the leak is not due to damage, it could be due to a poor seal where two pieces of ductwork connect. In this case, you can try using HVAC mastic or metal mesh tapes to create a better seal.

If your ductwork is made of metal and is starting to rust, you may need to replace it. This is a more involved repair, and you may want to consult with a professional to make sure that this is done efficiently.

The Importance of Doing Air Duct Cleaning in Your Home

Can you remember the last time you had Bay Area duct cleaning done in your home? If you’re scratching your head right now and trying to figure it out, that probably means that it’s been way too long since the last time that you scheduled duct cleaning. It’s very important for you to arrange to have your home’s air ducts cleaned at least once every 3 years, if not even more often than that. Check out what makes duct cleaning such an important part of the home maintenance process.

It improves the quality of the air in your home.

If you don’t make it a point to clean the air ducts in your home early and often, it’s going to take a huge toll on your home’s indoor air quality. You might find that the air in your home has a large number of pollutants in it when you don’t get into the habit of cleaning your air ducts. From dust to pet dander, there are so many contaminants that can drag your indoor air quality down. You’ll prevent this from happening by arranging to have duct cleaning done in your home every few years.

It stops those in your home from suffering from allergies and asthma attacks.

Does someone in your home have allergies? Or does someone in your home have asthma? Both of these conditions can be aggravated by poor indoor air quality. You’ll be able to keep those living in your home in better health by cleaning the ducts in your home. You’ll also make those who don’t suffer from allergies or asthma feel better about taking a deep breath when they’re inside your house. They won’t have to be concerned about what they might be breathing in when they do.

It keeps your HVAC system in good working order.

If you don’t ever clean the air ducts in your home, you’re going to do more than just bring down the air quality in your house and cause those living in it to suffer. You’re also going to do harm to your HVAC in the Bay Area. Your HVAC system is going to have dirty air passing through it all the time, which is going to result in it wearing down on you sooner than it should. By cleaning your air ducts, you’ll be able to provide your HVAC with cleaner air and help to keep it around for a lot longer than you would be able to otherwise.

It helps the air ducts last longer.

Your HVAC system isn’t the only thing that will wear down on you quickly when you don’t clean your air ducts frequently enough. The air ducts themselves are also going to need to be replaced sooner than later in a lot of cases when they aren’t cleaned. As is, you might only get 10 to 20 years of life out of your air ducts. But you might not even be able to get that if you don’t have duct cleaning on your to-do list every 3 years or so.

Have you been putting off air duct cleaning in the Bay Area for far too long now? Change that today by calling on Carol Flynn Heating & Cooling to provide you with duct cleaning services. Call us to schedule a duct cleaning appointment for your home and see how much it can help you.

Heating and Cooling FAQs

Should You Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced Every Year?

Yes, it’s definitely a good idea to have your air conditioner serviced every year. While an annual tune-up is not necessary for all air conditioners, it’s a good idea to schedule one each year for central air conditioners and window units. A professional technician can clean your system, check the refrigerant level, and identify any potential problems.

How Long Does an HVAC Servicing Company Keep Its Records?

In general, HVAC servicing companies are required to keep records for a minimum of three years. However, there may be some instances where records must be kept for longer periods of time. For example, if a company is under investigation by a regulatory body, the records related to that investigation must be retained until the matter is resolved. Additionally, some companies choose to keep records for longer than the minimum requirements in order to provide better customer service.

Why Does my Ductwork Make Loud Noises?

The ductwork in your home may make loud noises for a number of reasons. One possibility is that the ducts are old and need to be replaced. Another possibility is that there is something blocking the airflow through the ducts, such as a build-up of dust or dirt. A third possibility is that there is something wrong with the fan or blower that is causing it to overwork and create excess noise. If you think there may be something wrong with your ductwork, it is best to have a professional inspect it and diagnose the problem.

About Us

Welcome to Carol Flynn Heating & Cooling! Let us design and install a highly efficient heating and cooling system in your home and/or office. Superior products and quality installations for less.

Carrier - FAD

Carol Flynn Heating & Cooling

License # 188751

We Service – All SF Bay Area Counties

DIAGNOSTICS  ●  REPAIRS  ●  MAINTENANCE  
●  REPLACEMENTS  ●  DUCT CLEANING

Visit Us

Contact Information
Carol Flynn Heating & Cooling