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Is It Time to Clean or Replace My Ducts?

Is It Time to Clean or Replace My Ducts?

Posted by
Ed Miller on Wed, Aug 31, 2016

 

Snyder AirDuct Cleaning (1)

 

The ductwork in your home does an important job. It circulates warm air from your heating system and cool air from your air conditioning system throughout your entire home. If your air ducts are dirty, old, or damaged, you need to clean them or replace them to prevent ventilation problems and protect your family’s health.

Common Types of Residential Duct Work

In most cases, air ducts can be cleaned, but the type of ductwork you have in your home may impact cleaning. Common types of residential ductwork include flexible and rigid systems. Flexible ductwork is typically tube-shaped, made of a wire coil covered with a bendable, durable plastic, and covered by insulation, while rigid ductwork is typically made of galvanized steel or aluminum. Flexible ductwork, found in many older homes, is easy to install in areas where rigid ductwork doesn’t fit, and it is usually less expensive than rigid ductwork. Galvanized steel or aluminum ductwork, found in newer homes, is more expensive to install, but harbors less dirt and bacteria, since it has no interior lining. Both types of ductwork can be cleaned by a qualified, professional HVAC technician.

Common Air Duct Problems

Before you decide whether it’s best to clean or replace your ductwork, you should look at these important factors that may impact your decision:

  • Age – In general, ductwork will usually last for 10 to 15 years before it starts to deteriorate. If your ductwork is 15 years old or older, you should have it inspected and consider replacement, rather than cleaning.
  • Energy Efficiency – Ducts with air leaks will cause ineffective heating and cooling and energy inefficiency that results in higher energy bills. Your HVAC system will have to run longer and work harder to accommodate for heating and cooling loss.
  • Air Flow – If you notice poor air flow or uneven temperatures from one room to another, you should inspect your ductwork for problems. To measure proper air flow, you should schedule a duct blower test with your HVAC technician.
  • Air Quality – Old or leaky ductwork can cause poor indoor air quality. Breaks, holes or tears in air ducts can allow dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, allergens, and other pollutants to circulate through your home.

Signs of Dirty Air Ducts

The best way to tell if your ductwork is dirty is to schedule an inspection with your HVAC technician. Many parts of your ductwork may be installed in areas of your home that are difficult to reach without help from a qualified technician. Here are some things that can indicate clogged or dirty air ducts:

  • A musty smell when your heat or air conditioning turns on can be a sign of bacteria, mildew or mold growth in your ductwork.
  • Dust or pet hair in your vents, or blowing out of your vents, can be a sign of clogged or dirty air ducts.
  • Noisy airflow or whistling sounds can be a sign of clogged or damaged ductwork. Clogged ducts can cause noisy airflow, while breaks, holes and air leaks can cause whistling sounds.
  • Coughing, sneezing or worsening allergies can be a sign of poor indoor air quality caused by defective or dirty ductwork. People with respiratory problems and asthma are especially vulnerable to health problems from dirty airflow.

To keep your heating and air conditioning equipment working properly and efficiently year-round, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance. For HVAC inspections, repairs, and installations, or cleaning and replacement of ductwork in Jacksonville, contactSnyder Heating and Air Conditioning.

 

 

Tags:

maintenance,

HVAC,

 

where you’ll find snyder

Snyder Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electric serves families across Florida. You'll find our technicians are just a short phone call away in neighborhoods throughout these counties:

    NORTH FLORIDA

  • Alachua
  • Baker
  • Clay
  • Duval
  • Flagler
  • Nassau
  • St. Johns

    SOUTH FLORIDA

  • Broward
  • Martin
  • Miami-Dade
  • Palm Beach
  • St. Lucie

Customer Reviews

This was an exceptional experience! We woke up to our A/C on but not cooling (it was 6am and already 81 in the house). The person who set up our appointment was very nice, able to get us seen same-day, and let us know of some options to help save us money.

-Christy Cormier

The service from Sam and Chris was excellent! They were very knowledgeable and professional. They were able to answer all of my questions and completed all of my electrical issues. I will definitely use them again for future jobs. Thank you!

-Adrienne Beal

From the get go I could tell that the Snyder employees were truly professionals and didn’t push to make sales like other companies I’ve talked to my whole life. They took the time to explain so that I could make a decision. The installers and later the duct cleaners were very respectful during their work here. Thank you.

-Mike Daniels

Snyder Heating and AC is dependable, always on time and techs have always been courteous and knowledgeable. Emanuel was a great addition to the company. He was friendly and knew what he was doing. Thank you for great service.

-Linda Ackley

Snyder came in and did a total overhaul of our duct system. They had a great knowledge of what to do to make our home so comfortable! The technicians were all so professional and took great care of us! We’re so thankful for their expertise. Great and easy communication with the call center. We will definitely use them again!

-Crystal Hill

Snyder provided an amazing experience from start to finish. Most of us dread getting estimates with pressuring salespeople. Erik was a great guy, explained all my options and didn’t try to pressure me to act quickly! Justin followed up with my husband and I to offer further assistance in our decision. Again, no pressure, just helped with our follow up questions.

-Michele Bauer

Very prompt, professional, courteous, and cleaned up after repair. Had water line break in my front yard and no pressure. Very pleased and would highly recommend Snyder for all your plumbing, and AC needs. Thank you for making a rough morning get better with ease and professionalism.

-Chuck Jr.

Snyder was easy to get in contact with and had availability the next day. Clint came out and needed some parts so had to reschedule us for the next day for installation. He did a great job converting our old 3 knob shower to one. Looks great! Professional and courteous. 100% recommend this company, especially Clint.

-Nicole Hansen

Very thorough and professional Job

-John Ridenour

Excellent work. Hard worker. Highly recommend.

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