by Cooper Climate Control
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On sunny, Spring days, you can caulk, weatherstrip, check and secure insulation, and assure your windows and doors seal tightly when you shut them. However, don’t forget the two most overlooked areas of your home’s heating system: the ductwork and vents.
Because your ductwork is out of sight, typically, it could be causing you to lose considerable amounts of energy and money on heating bills, without you even knowing it. The same holds true with your vents. You may actually be able to see them, but you might not pay them much mind. Performing preventive maintenance on your ductwork and vents can save you 10 percent or more on your monthly energy expenses.
There are a few correctable issues that can hinder air flow through your ductwork and vents. Here are a few steps that you can take in your home to maximize your energy efficiency and minimize your energy loss:
- Make sure vents are in working order, opening and closing easily.
- Open vents for occupied rooms, and close vents for those rooms that you don’t use much.
- Rearrange furniture, art, and draperies so that they are not obstructing your vents.
- Remove and clean vent covers regularly.
- Vacuum areas beneath your ductwork.
- Check your ductwork connections to each vent, and seal, if necessary.
- Inspect your ductwork system thoroughly, throughout your attic and crawl space. You may be unable to access all of your ductwork. If this is the case, you might want to schedule a visit with a professional HVAC technician who can do it for you.
- Note areas where duct tape has dried and cracked. This enables leaks to reappear. The best sealant for ductwork is duct mastic,which is a putty-like material that you spread over leaks. It then hardens to form a seal.
- Check for areas in which your ductwork is crushed, crimped, separated, or loose, or where insulation has been compromised.
- Inspect your ductwork and vents for indications of vermin or insect infestation.
Additionally, here are a few steps that you can take outside your home to prevent ductwork and vent issues:
- Make sure that your vents are open
- Remove any dirt or debris, such as grass clippings and fallen leaves, from your vents
- Remove any objects that are obstructing your vents
Although repair or replacement of vents and registers is easily done, ductwork repair requires the assistance and expertise of knowledgeable and certified professionals, such as those at Cooper Climate Control, your Air-Conditioning & Heating Specialist. Call today for all of your heating & cooling, needs, including emergencies. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we proudly serve residential and commercial customers from Phoenix Metro area to the East Valley.