Did you know that air ducts are one of the most integral parts of your homes HVAC system? It’s a fact, and although they are often overlooked since they are typically concealed in either your attic, walls, or crawlspaces around your home, just because you cant see them doesn’t mean that they don’t matter, or even deserve routine maintenance. Those homeowners who fail to acknowledge that their homes require air duct repair often suffer from higher energy bills.
So, what exactly is a home duct system? Well, picture a network of tubes made of fiberglass, sheet metal and various other materials linked together within the interior structure of a home. This network is tasked with carrying air from your furnace and air conditioning unit and then dispensing it through the vents strategically placed around your home. In the event that a duct is unsealed, or non-insulated, the air being transported through the duct can escape resulting in excessive heating and cooling bills.
Sure, it is possible to make some minor duct repairs yourself, but you should always consult a qualified professional in regard to sealing and insulating any ductwork that may be located within the unconditioned confines of your home, like a basement.
Air duct repair is just one of the many specialized services provided by our expert staff at Able Mechanical. We’ve been serving business and home owners alike around the DFW region for over 30 years with the motto Fixed Fast & Fixed Right the First Time!
DIY MAINTENANCE TIPS
Remember, the qualified professionals at Able Mechanical are always available to handle any of your HVAC emergencies that may arise. However, there are some steps homeowners can take in regard to attempting their own minor duct repairs.
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind concerning air duct maintenance:
- Regularly conduct a thorough examination of your ducts for air leaks. If you happen to find any holes, or perhaps even a gapped section of tubing, then don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your sealing options.
- Inspect the seams and joints for gaps. Duct mastic can be a reliable material that isn’t too difficult to install on any of the smaller gaps that you find.
- In an effort to prevent water pipes and drains from freezing in an uninsulated basement, consult a professional contractor.
- Hire an expert, such as Able Mechanical, if your home requires the installation of both supply and return registers.
- To prevent moisture condensation, confirm that your home’s vapor barrier is properly sealed.
SILENT…BUT LETHAL
Since it’s a gas that is both odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide (CO) is all but impossible to detect without some sort of device. Did you know that more than 400 people die in the United States each year from unintentional CO poisoning?
On behalf of the staff at Able Mechanical, we just can’t stress enough the importance of installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home if you have any of the following fuel-burning appliances:
- natural gas furnaces
- stoves
- ovens
- water heaters
- space heaters
In addition to having a battery operated carbon monoxide detector installed, you should also have your fuel-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Contact Able Mechanical today if you need an air duct repair made in your home, or if any of your other residential or commercial equipment requires service.
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