HVAC ductwork is a system of metal or synthetic channels or pipes that transport heated or cooled air throughout your home. In a forced air system, the warm or cool air is blown into the AC ductwork/furnace ductwork at the location of the furnace or air handler blower fan.
The heated or cooled air exits the ductwork system at the supply registers or air vents, which may be floor vents or baseboard vents. Ductwork is located throughout the home, in the basement or crawlspace, and behind the walls. You may see exposed ductwork in the basement or crawlspace.
You may have leaky ductwork if:
It’s important to note that other HVAC system issues can cause some of these problems, so it’s a good idea to consult with an HVAC professional to test the airflow in your home if you suspect you have leaky ducts.
Sealing ductwork that is exposed is an easy fix. Locating and fixing leaky ductwork that is hidden in the walls is a little trickier, and you will need an HVAC professional.
The jury is still out on the usefulness of ductwork cleaning. If you have mold in your ductwork or an infestation of mice or pests, it is definitely worthwhile. Air conditioning ductwork with visible clogs should also be cleaned.
If you’re considering hiring someone to clean your ductwork, do your homework first. Read this article from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for guidance.
Contact your local American Standard dealer for ductwork sealing, ductwork replacement, or new ductwork installation.
By Anne Fonda, Content Writer
Expert review by Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer
Central air conditioning utilizes a series of ducts to remove heat and humidity from your home, place it outside, and re-distribute it throughout all rooms to ultimately decrease the indoor temperature.
Ductless systems condition your home without the presence of ducts. Instead, the indoor unit is inserted directly into the room or space it’s intended to heat or cool.
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