Virginia may not be way up north, but winters are still chilly. Remember to schedule annual HVAC inspections with a trained technician if you want reliable heat. Here are a few things the technician will look for:
Evenly Heated Rooms Air travels through ductwork to be heated at the furnace, then it returns via the ductwork to heat your home. Tight ducts will keep the temperature in each room approximately the same, but leaky ducts lose heat between the furnace and your living spaces. Tip: Furniture covering the registers is one of the most common causes for uneven heating. Check to make sure that nothing is blocking them to keep warm. Quiet as a Mouse If your ductwork is in good shape, it should be silent. Rattling noises are a sign of loose or broken sections of ductwork. Wheezing noises can be heard when accumulated dirt block the passage or when the ducts are too narrow to transport sufficient warm air around your home. Tip: If you have kids or pets, you may find small items just out of reach behind your registers. Try using a vacuum hose to clear out any debris. Unusually High Heating Costs If you find yourself turning the heat higher and not feeling any warmer, it is likely that leaking ductwork is your problem. The thermostat in cold rooms prevent the furnace from turning off, but heat is lost before it arrives where it should be. Get Professional Help Many people believe that repairing ductwork is simple and inexpensive, but it can actually be very complicated. Despite the name, duct tape is an inappropriate material to use on ductwork. Professional supplies include mastic, sheet metal, screws and fiberglass to keep all of the hot air inside the tight ducts where it belongs. Going ahead and trying may cost you less up front, but between elevated utility bills and potential repair bills, hiring a pro will save you money. Russell’s Heating & Cooling has been taking care of Hampton Roads customers for nearly 40 years. If you have any questions about your ductwork, call us today! Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductwork and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 757-750-1831. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “DrObjektiff/Shutterstock”