Quite often, poorly distributed heat is not an equipment problem but your ductwork or vents. A common problem is blocked vents. You often want furnishings in a certain place but if they’re in a position to block incoming or outgoing air, your home can’t “breathe” and circulate heated air properly.
Other things that can interfere with good airflow in the home are listed below. Allowing air to move freely into and out of your home helps maintain a balanced temperature level. When certain problems arise, hot and cold spots can result. Here are a few more common problems with ductwork and vents:
Leaking Duct Connections: Sections where ducts join are can fail soon after installation if they aren’t joined properly. There are special tapes and joint materials that must be used to ensure a good seal. If you have leaking connections, you’re losing heat and money.
Leaking Return Vents: Ductwork and vents should be sealed where they join. If you have loose connections, return air can be spilling into walls, the attic or below the floor. Such air leaks are costly as well.
Damaged or Fallen Insulation: Air traveling through an attic or basement can rapidly lose temperature if ducts are uninsulated. All ducts that travel through unheated areas should have secure insulation.
Kinked Ducting: Flexible ducting is often used in attics or other areas. Because they are flexible, they can have kinked or collapsed sections. These areas choke off airflow and reduce circulation.
Filter Slot Area: Return air enters your filter and comes back into your system to be reheated. Any loose connections here that leak out air waste energy and interfere with your air circulation.
Furnishings: Again, keep carpets, rugs and runners off floor vents. Don’t block other vents with furnishings. A free flow of air reduces your energy costs and keeps your home more comfortable.
Problems with ductwork and vents are common. Often, you never know you have such problems. If you suspect them, contact us at Glasco Heating & Air Conditioning. We can examine your system and offer solutions. Or call us with your questions. We’re always ready to help Connecticut homeowners with their heating and cooling needs.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about how to handle uneven heating and other HVAC topics, visit our website.
Glasco Heating & Air Conditioning services South Windsor, Connecticut and the surrounding areas.