Before You Turn The Heat On, Check Ductwork And Vents For Seven Common Problems

Even in our part of North Carolina, the days are fast approaching when you’ll want your furnace to kick on. With autumn upon us, it’s time to start thinking about getting your heating system ready for the important job of keeping your family comfortable during the colder months.

One area that’s often overlooked (or just plain forgotten) is a home’s ductwork. When blocked, leaky or improperly installed, the ducts and air vents that supply heat to your home will fail to operate efficiently, if at all. Taking steps to address these issues in your home will ensure that you aren’t wasting money on heat that never makes it into your living areas.

Here are seven common problems we’ve seen involving faulty ductwork and vents:

1. Leaky Duct Connections: Heated air that escapes through leaks around connection joints never makes it to living spaces. Make sure that each piece is properly attached and sealed.
2. Return Leaks: The fresh air pulled through your returns is your furnace’s lifeblood. Without it, your system will work harder than it needs to, and have a shorter lifespan. Check for gaps, and seal every return properly.
3. Furniture Blocking Registers: Furniture and drapes often block registers and impede the flow of heat through a home. A quick peek in each room will identify any problem areas.
4. Leaks Around Furnace Filter: Filter slots with large gaps, or that are left open, are leaks waiting to happen. Make sure yours is secure.
5. Duct Tape Failure: Traditional duct tape isn’t actually for ductwork. It doesn’t seal adequately and has a limited lifespan. Remove old tape and use mastic sealants instead.
6. Fallen Duct Insulation: If your ducts are insulated, check to make sure that insulation hasn’t collapsed. It could be blocking airflow.
7. Kinks in Ductwork: Kinked or bent ductwork won’t be able to handle the air moving through it, and may overtax your furnace. Replace any damaged ducts immediately.

At Blanton’s Heating & A/C, our expert service professionals can identify and repair any potential problems with your home’s ductwork. Contact us today to learn how we can help you stay warm this winter.