Maintaining a comfortable Anaheim, CA home is achievable by scheduling regular maintenance for your HVAC system. Part of this maintenance includes having your ducts inspected. Not only will this ensure that your home is cool and comfortable all summer, but this process can also save you some money on your energy bills. Let us consider why this process is critical at the peak of summer.
Addressing Allergens and Contaminants
Summer in Anaheim can be very beautiful, but pollen is a major issue this time of year. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you probably head indoors to find some relief. Unfortunately, it’s common for households to experience poor indoor air quality, which makes symptoms worse. If you are experiencing a frequent runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, and sneezing, having your ductwork inspected can help cut down on some of the particulates circulating through your residence.
A ductwork inspection will ensure that air is not able to enter your ducts through various cracks and gaps. When these openings are present, particulates like dust, mold spores, and even insects can make their way inside. Not only does this create poor indoor air quality, but particulates can also build up in your ductwork over time and negatively affect your system’s efficiency.
Moisture and Mold Problems
Your system of ducts should be a very closed and protected system. In the summertime months, humidity can become a problem in a house. It is important that you do not allow moisture to enter your ducts. If it does, mold can quickly start to grow and spread. Those mold spores will then circulate into the air that you are breathing in your home. Exposure to mold can be extremely dangerous, leading to an increase in allergy symptoms, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
If a professional determines that you have mold growing inside of your ducts, a mold remediation process will need to take place. This will remove the mold while preventing it from circulating further. Repairs will need to occur to prevent moisture from further accumulating. Also, you should consider addressing your house’s relative humidity level. This may include having a whole-house dehumidifier installed in your HVAC system. When your air conditioner runs, moisture will be removed from the conditioned air. This is a very affordable and low-maintenance option for maintaining optimal indoor air quality.
Keeping Pests at Bay
A very small insect or rodent does not need a lot of room to enter your ductwork. A very small crack in between the seams of your ducting is more than enough space. In a matter of days, you could have a major pest problem. Not only will pests be more prevalent in your home, but their presence will reduce your indoor air quality. Waste material and dander will circulate in your house, posing major health risks. A professional HVAC technician will inspect your ductwork to ensure there are no areas where a pest can gain access. They will also look for signs that you already have a pest problem that needs attention.
Ensuring Optimal Air Conditioning Efficiency
The temperatures can get high in Anaheim in the middle of summer. Air conditioning will keep you cool, but it should not result in high energy bills that impact your budget. A routine inspection of your cooling system can ensure that efficiency is a priority, but you may have issues with your ductwork that are causing a problem. If you are experiencing air escaping from your ducts into crawl spaces, your basement, or behind walls, this will result in less conditioned air in your living spaces. You may turn down your thermostat a couple of degrees to compensate, but this will raise your energy consumption. This equates to higher energy bills, not to mention that it increases your carbon footprint. By allowing a professional to seal your ducts, it will prevent air from escaping. All conditioned air will end up where it should be, which is inside of your living spaces.
Ductwork Maintenance and Repair Options
If a professional determines that there is an issue with your ductwork, there are several steps that can be taken to remedy the situation.
Sealing Your Ducts
If you have gaps or cracks in your ductwork, a professional can seal the ducts to keep them airtight. There are product options like sealant tape, mastic duct sealant, or a product called Aeroseal. The extent of the damage determines the product choice. Sealing your ducts can actually save you up to 20% on your energy consumption throughout the summer months in Anaheim. In addition to visible duct damage, watch out for rising energy bills and uneven room temperatures throughout your home.
Insulating Your Ducts
By having insulation installed around your ductwork, you can keep the air cooler while it travels to the various vents in your home. You will need to run your HVAC equipment less frequently to keep your house cool in the summer. This can help keep your home warmer in the winter as well.
Having Your Ducts Cleaned
In addition to sealing your ducts, a professional may recommend ductwork cleaning. This process will remove any particulates and debris that are inside of your ducts. It is a process that is common once every few years or if you have recently had construction done in your home. It is also very practical for households with pets.
An HVAC professional will use high-powered vacuums to clean out each register in your home. Sometimes, a small cut to your ducts allows access to hard-to-reach areas. A professional will seal these access points once the process is complete. Some professionals utilize special cameras that can help them see into the far-away spaces in your ducts to ensure that everything is clean and intact. This process can cut back on allergy symptoms, help your home smell fresher, reduce respiratory issues, and even keep your house cleaner.
Protecting Your Ductwork
In between routine duct inspections in the summer months, there are steps you can take as a homeowner to protect this area of your house. Change the filter regularly to prevent the buildup of particulates in your ductwork and HVAC equipment. Most filters need changing once every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of filter you are using.
If you notice any visible issues with your ductwork, reach out to a professional right away to have a repair performed. This will cut back on the number of repairs that your system needs over its lifespan, in addition to protecting your indoor air quality.
If you would like to have your ductwork inspected by an experienced professional, reach out to the team at Avis Home Solutions in Anaheim today. We would be happy to help you maintain or repair your ductwork. We also perform routine seasonal maintenance during the summer months or any other time of year. New heating and cooling equipment installations are available as well as emergency repairs.
