Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer

Available 24 hours
7 days a week!


Schedule An Appointment
Leave Us A Review

Common Air Duct Obstructions That Can Ruin HVAC Efficiency

Unobstructed ducts are critical to good operation of your heating and cooling system.You might have the most efficient heating and air conditioning equipment that money can buy, but you won’t see the benefits of that efficiency unless you eliminate air duct obstructions throughout the system.

It’s a good idea to have your HVAC contractor inspect, repair and clean the ductwork for you, but there are also several steps you can take on your own to identify and eliminate air duct obstructions. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Check the air filter monthly and replace it if it’s dirty. A dirty air filter restricts the return airflow to your system, resulting in lower energy efficiency, shorter equipment life, and insufficient airflow throughout your home.
  • Look for disconnected duct sections and leaky seams. Look for places where air can leak in and out of the ductwork. If you attempt to do repairs yourself, be sure to use screws or clamps to join ducts together and seal leaky seams with mastic, not with the “duct tape” you can buy at your local supermarket.
  • Inspect flexible ducts. If you find flexible ducts that are kinked or crushed, you can try to straighten them out to eliminate airflow restrictions. If they have tears in their covers or if they won’t hold their shape when you straighten them, they should be replaced.
  • Keep registers open. Check supply and return air vents to be sure they’re not closed or blocked by furniture or carpets. You might think it will save energy, but closing off parts of your house by closing vents can cause airflow imbalances and make your air handling equipment work harder than it should.
  • Your HVAC pro can use special equipment to see into places that you might not be able to get to. Air duct obstructions you might not be able to see include loose insulation inside ducts or zoning baffles stuck in the wrong position.

Call us at Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning for expert ductwork inspection and repairs in our northern Virginia home.

You May Also Like

Light From UV Lamps
February 28, 2024

How UV Lamps Work and Their Many Benefits

UV (Ultraviolet) lamps operate on the principle of utilizing short-wave ultraviolet light to disrupt and inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Installed within… Continue Reading How UV Lamps Work and Their Many Benefits

Read More…

Furnace Stinks
January 23, 2024

Why Your Furnace in Stafford, VA, Stinks

The warm air that comes from your furnace during the cold months in Stafford, VA, gives you a pleasant feeling. However, if… Continue Reading Why Your Furnace in Stafford, VA, Stinks

Read More…

Cat Enjoying Heat
December 13, 2023

3 Heating Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners in Annandale, VA

Warning: Your furry friends can change your heating system’s efficiency. Fortunately, there are measures you can adopt to prevent your pets from… Continue Reading 3 Heating Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners in Annandale, VA

Read More…

Compliance Settings
Increase Font Size
Grayscale
Simplified Font
Underline Links
Highlight Links
Reset
Close