Important Air Duct Maintenance

The air ducts used in HVAC systems require very little maintenance other than periodic cleaning.  Most air ducts accumulate dust and dirt which can be dangerous as mold, fungi and dirt mites can grow in the warm dirty air ducts. Built up dirt can also become a fire hazard as it combustible materials accumulate in the ducts.  Air duct cleaning should be scheduled periodically to prevent these accumulations, especially if you live in a climate where you run heat and air conditioning.

Proper doors should be placed throughout your duct system to allow access for cleaning.  New access doors can be installed by a local HVAC company to allow you to clean your air ducts regularly.

You will want to check your ductwork for cracks, holes or other damaged areas causing leaks.  If you find cracks or holes in the return ducts you can be sure you're spending more on energy bills than necessary. If you try and patch up the cracks or holes yourself, you can almost be sure you will create a pressure imbalance in your system.  If you find cracks or holes, find a heating and air conditioning company that has experience fixing ductwork.

The last thing you want to check is the proper balance of air supply and return in your system.  You want to make sure the amount of air supplied to an area by the air ducts is equal to the amount of air returned to your furnace air handler.  An imbalance can draw allergens, dust mites, mold and other contaminants from your basement or attic into the rooms you are heating or cooling.