When it comes to HVAC systems, ductwork is one of the most important part of the system. Your HVAC system delivers heating and cooling function around your house through the duct work. Causes of AC Ductwork Damage, Therefore in order to keep the system functioning properly and hygienically, the AC system requires proper maintenance and so does the air ducts.
Essentially the air duct system requires to be air tight in order to prevent any air leakage and prevent external dust to enter the AC system. A leaking air duct can be hazardous to health as leakage allows external contamination to enter the system and circulate around your home. Overtime the air ducts are prone to get leaked due to several factors in the environment. Let’s see what are the causes of AC Ductwork damage?
What are the Causes of AC Ductwork Damage?
Mold Buildup: When we talk about the causes of AC ductwork damage, it also includes the elements that cause reduced air flow and unhygienic air quality without any physical damage to the ductwork. In that category mold and dirt accumulation is the one of the main cause of frequent air filter replacements, reduced air flow, bad odor around your home and increase in allergic symptoms in your family’s health.
Rodents & Insects: This is a common problem. Air ducts are a quiet and dark place, perfect to the likings of rodents, insects and bugs. These rodents and bugs can cause serious damage to the physical structure of your ducts. Rodents specially can chew off big holes in the ducts in order to make easy in and out route for themselves causing a significant damages to the structure and health issues. Causes of AC Ductwork Damage, If you ever hear scuttling sound in the ductwork immediately call in the professionals for a thorough check and AC duct cleaning and repair before the damages get even worse.
Aging: Like any other system in your home, Air ducts also have a service life. Usually ducts last anywhere from 20-25 years before damages happen or they require replacement. So if your property is old enough then make sure to take proper preventive measures before the it starts effecting the HVAC system and your health. Professionals recommend to clean and frequently repair your ductworks in order to prolong the life and functionality of the system.
Rust: For sheet metal ducts, if you are living in an area with high moisture levels in the air then this is one of the major enemies. Since moisture can bring about rust overtime in iron and steel and gradually they begin to become weak and break down. Follow a preventive maintenance plan and replace parts where there is excessive rusting to ensure the system keeps running smoothly.