Air Duct Services

Many duct problems are hidden in attics, crawl spaces, walls, ceilings, and mechanical areas. However, changes in airflow or comfort may indicate that the system should be inspected.

Possible signs include:

• Weak airflow from one or more vents
• Rooms that remain warmer or colder than others
• Rattling, whistling, or popping sounds
• Visible gaps or disconnected duct sections
• Crushed, kinked, or sagging flexible ducts
• Damaged or missing insulation
• Dust or debris blowing from registers
• Musty or unfamiliar odors when the HVAC system operates
• Unexpected increases in heating or cooling costs
• Evidence of pests inside or near the ductwork
• Condensation forming on ducts
• Airflow problems after remodeling or HVAC replacement

These symptoms can also result from filters, blower problems, equipment sizing, or other HVAC issues. Felger Hart Residential evaluates the complete system before determining whether the ductwork is responsible.

An air duct inspection can identify visible damage and conditions that interfere with airflow. Depending on the home and accessibility, the inspection may include:

• Supply and return duct connections
• Flexible duct routing and support
• Accessible seams and joints
• Insulation condition
• Signs of air leakage
• Registers and return grilles
• Evidence of moisture or condensation
• Visible debris or pest activity
• Airflow at selected vents
• Connections near the furnace or air handler

Not every portion of a duct system can be accessed without opening walls or ceilings. Our team will explain what can be evaluated and whether further investigation is warranted.

Duct damage can allow conditioned air to escape before it reaches the intended rooms. It may also allow attic, crawl-space, or basement air to enter the system through openings in accessible ductwork.

Repairs may include:

• Reconnecting separated duct sections
• Replacing damaged flexible ducts
• Correcting crushed, kinked, or sagging sections
• Repairing accessible holes or physical damage
• Securing loose registers and connections
• Correcting poorly supported duct runs
• Replacing deteriorated insulation
• Addressing condensation on accessible ductwork

If the duct system is extensively damaged or improperly designed, repair may not solve the underlying problem. In that situation, we may recommend modification or replacement through our Air Duct Installation and Replacement service.

Air can escape through unsealed seams, joints, takeoffs, and equipment connections. Sealing accessible leaks helps conditioned air remain within the duct system as it travels through the home.

Professional duct sealing may involve approved mastics, tapes, gaskets, or other materials selected for the location and duct type. Standard cloth-backed household duct tape is not intended as a lasting HVAC duct seal.

Before sealing, damaged sections and major disconnections should be corrected. Our team will determine which accessible areas can be repaired and sealed effectively.

Ductwork passing through an attic, crawl space, garage, or other unconditioned area may gain or lose heat before the air reaches the living space. Insulation also helps reduce the likelihood of condensation forming on cold duct surfaces during cooling season.

Felger Hart Residential can inspect accessible duct insulation and identify areas that are missing, damaged, compressed, or deteriorated.

Insulation alone will not correct a leaking or disconnected duct. Necessary repairs and sealing should be addressed before new insulation conceals those areas.

A small amount of ordinary household dust inside ductwork is normal. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not recommend cleaning air ducts routinely or as part of annual HVAC maintenance. Cleaning should be considered based on the actual condition of the system.

An inspection may be appropriate if:

• Substantial debris is visibly accumulating inside the ducts
• Debris is being released from supply registers
• Rodents or insects have entered the duct system
• Ducts contain construction or remodeling debris
• Water entered the ductwork
• A qualified professional has identified substantial contamination

If suspected mold is present, the moisture source must first be identified and corrected. Material that looks like mold cannot always be confirmed by appearance alone, and significant contamination may require a qualified mold professional.

Duct cleaning cannot repair leaks, correct poor design, solve a moisture problem, or replace regular filter care.

Weak or uneven airflow is not always caused by dirty ductwork. It may involve:

• Incorrect duct sizing
• Inadequate return air
• Closed or obstructed registers
• A clogged or overly restrictive filter
• Blower or air-handler problems
• A dirty indoor coil
• Improperly balanced dampers
• Duct damage or poor routing
• HVAC equipment that does not match the duct system

Felger Hart Residential will evaluate these possibilities before recommending a solution. Depending on what we find, service may involve duct repair, airflow adjustments, equipment service, or a more extensive duct modification.

Homeowners can help protect their ductwork and HVAC equipment by:

• Replacing or cleaning filters as directed
• Keeping supply and return vents unobstructed
• Watching for damaged ducts in accessible areas
• Addressing roof, plumbing, or foundation leaks promptly
• Using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans
• Preventing pests from entering attics and crawl spaces
• Scheduling HVAC maintenance regularly

Our Preventative Home Maintenance Membership provides a convenient way to stay current with qualifying HVAC and plumbing maintenance.