Ducted Air Conditioning Issues That Every HVAC Contractor Should Know

If you're concerned about the effect of your HVAC system on the environment, you're not alone. Learn more about how regular maintenance helps here.

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Green Comfort: How HVAC Contractors Help With Energy Efficiency

Good day. My name is Darryl and I work as a government researcher for the energy sector. I prepare reports which suggest ways that energy can be conserved and made cheaper. One area that is particularly under the spotlight is the effect of heating, ventilation and cooling systems on the environment. Whilst preparing my latest research report, I have been amazed by the energy efficiency that can be gained by installing the right HVAC systems. I even contacted professional HVAC contractors to upgrade, maintain and repair the systems in my own home because I learnt that older systems can use more energy without regular checks. I'm sure that there are others like me who aren't aware of the importance of choosing the right HVAC system. I hope to share a little of what I have learnt in my blog and help spread awareness. Thank you for your time.

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Ducted Air Conditioning Issues That Every HVAC Contractor Should Know

9 January 2019
 Categories:
, Blog


An efficient ducted air conditioning unit is essential for maximum comfort at home, especially during summer. However, if a home has an air conditioning unit with outdated or inefficient ductwork, then summer relaxation days can turn into a terrible experience. Therefore, HVAC contractors must ensure that the ductwork is done thoroughly, especially when carrying out maintenance or repair work. The reason is that during HVAC repair some issues are easy to overlook, but the minor challenges can lead to inefficiencies in the performance of an AC system. This article provides an insight into some of the most common yet overlooked ductwork problems.

Gaps in Ductwork and Register Connection 

It is easy to identify exposed ductwork problems such as leaks because dust streaks and water droplets are visible. However, it is difficult to deal with hidden ducts, especially where the ductwork connects with registers. From the outside, the joint between the register and the drywall might appear okay, thereby giving the impression that the ductwork is in excellent condition. Making such an assumption is a big mistake because there might be a gap between the drywall and the duct. Since heated or cooled air leaving the conduit will enter the space on the drywall, your client will not get the maximum benefit of the system. Therefore, ensure that you check the insides of every register to ascertain there are no gaps. If there are any, seal them up using regular caulk.

Sealing Duct Elbows 

Most contractors often use foil tape to seal seams on AC ducts. Unlike duct tape, foil tape sticks perfectly on metal even in cold weather, thereby eliminating the chances of leakages. However, it is important to note that foil tape is excellent for longitudinal seams on metal ducts since the tape has no possibility of creasing. On duct elbows, however, the foil tape will crease and compromise the seams. Therefore, if you find out that elbow seams have been sealed with foil tape only, strip the tape, then apply duct sealant on the seams. Leave it to dry, then cover it up with the foil tape. The duct sealant will ensure the seams remain water and airtight for a very long time.

Excessively Sagging Flex Ducts

One reason why contractors love flexible ductwork is that installation can be done in a matter of hours, thereby saving time. However, if you have not worked with flex ducts before, you can miss critical issues such as excessive sagging. Understandably, flex ducts are meant to sag due to the nature of the material used. However, excessive sagging affects the efficiency of the AC ducts. Therefore, make sure that you know the recommended sag figures when maintaining flex ducts. Ideally, flex ducts should not sag more than half an inch per foot between support spacing. You can always verify this using your tape measure.