Ductwork Obstructions Can Hinder Airflow

Ductwork obstructions can hinder airflow in your HVAC system. The ductwork system is an integral part of your home’s comfort and efficiency. Unfortunately, the ducts do not get the attention they deserve until you are uncomfortable or get hit with a high energy bill. Learning how to detect and repair ductwork obstructions will keep your home more comfortable and keep your energy bills low.

Return-side obstructions

Indoor air needs an unobstructed path into the return grills and through the supply ducts, as well as to and through the living spaces. Following are common obstructions on the return-side of the ductwork system:

• Air filters – should be changed regularly
• Return grills – make sure the return grills are kept clean of debris. Keep all furniture or other obstacles from blocking air return.
• Air handler – a dirty evaporator coil and blower assembly prevents free airflow and hinders efficient heat exchange

Supply-side obstructions

The supply-side air ducts sprawl out through the home in the attic or crawl space, and generally offer more opportunities for obstructions. Be on the look-out for these:

• Leaky ducts – leaky ducts disrupt smooth airflow by delivering less airflow to certain rooms than others receiving airflow from properly sealed ducts. Duct leaks may be sealed with metal tape.
• Fallen ducts – completely fallen ducts aren’t uncommon. Check all the diffusers in your home to make sure the air pressures is the same. Diffusers with weak or no airflow indicate fallen ducts, which may be sealed with metal tape.
• Crushed or tangled ducts – damaged or tangled flex ducts obstruct airflow. Inspect the ducts to make sure they are in good condition.
• Poor design – Poor duct design may be under or oversized, without insulation, or have too many twists and turns.
• Loose diffusers – If you hear rattling at the diffuser, it’s likely loose and losing airflow. Make sure diffusers are properly sealed to the duct and flush to the wall.
• Zone dampers – stuck zoning system dampers block or allow airflow when they shouldn’t. Dampers may need to be assessed by one of our professional and licensed technicians at LHT Cooling, Heating and Refrigeration, Inc.

To learn more about how ductwork obstructions can hinder airflow, call us at LHT!