How To Tell When It's Time to Replace Your Home's Duct Work

How do I know if the ductwork needs to be replaced in my home?

4 Tips To Help Identify When its Time to Replace Duct Work

The ductwork in your home is largely unseen. You probably rarely ever think about the fact that it is keeping the air flowing to all of the different rooms in your home. Over time you could have issues with your ductwork that could lead to energy loss, unhealthy air quality and increased heating or cooling bills. Even though the ductwork is out of sight there are issues that you can look for to determine if you are having a problem.

Age of ductwork

In the majority of cases of the ductwork was installed when the home was built. This original ductwork is typically done at a builder’s grade quality and likely not intended to last a lifetime. There are seals and joints in the ductwork that can deteriorate over time. If your home is 15 years old or more you should consider having the ductwork examined for any problems.

Look at the ductwork that you can see

Some of the ductwork is able to be seen from the attic or crawlspaces. Use a flashlight and look at the joints and check for any duct tape that could be fraying or deteriorating in any way. You also need to check for rust or corrosion. If you spot any problems you must call for inspection as you could have moisture issues.

Airflow

If you have certain rooms that are experiencing issues in airflow this could indicate a problem with the specific span of ductwork designated for that area. If the ductwork has deteriorating insulation or a leak then it will cause uneven airflow.

Duct Blower Test

The best way to determine if you are having ductwork issues is to have a duct blower test which is performed by a professional. Your HVAC contractor will use a fan and sensors to determine airflow and the efficiency of your current ductwork. Leaks and inefficiency will be determined via computerized specific results.

The ductwork in your home is kind of like the veins in your body bringing airflow all through the rooms. If any part of it is working incorrectly or has a leak you will experience uneven air loss and high electricity bills due to inefficiency. Call the experts at Air Expo today to schedule a maintenance check and an air duct blower test to determine the efficiency of your ductwork.

Do You Have Locking Refrigerant Caps?

Why are locking refrigerant caps important?

As a homeowner you take safety precautions daily.  You don't run your dryer while you're away from the house, do have fire alarms and Carbon monoxide detectors and you keep your doors locked at night. However there is another issue that you should pay attention to. Your HVAC unit could be a potential health hazard. Did you know that the refrigerant or coolant material in your unit could be siphoned out by those wanting to partake in “huffing” of this harmful chemical?  There is only one way to prevent your unit from being abused and that is by having locking refrigerant caps installed.

What is refrigerant?

Refrigerant is it harmful substance that can cause death without warning if ingested. It is considered a poison and only licensed individuals are legally authorized to handle it. Unfortunately it is getting into the wrong hands and children and adults alike are huffing this harmful gas as a quick drug fix.

How can I prevent theft of my refrigerant?

The simplest and cheapest way to prevent your refrigerant from being stolen and to potentially cause harm or even death, is to install locking refrigerant caps. These caps are placed over the ports to the refrigerant on your exterior HVAC unit and can only be accessed with special equipment, making it difficult for anyone else to gain access.  In 2009 it has become a law in many areas to have refrigerant caps and no home will pass inspection without them.  

Go outside right now and check your unit to see if there are brightly colored red, green or silver caps on the refrigerant valves.   If your unit is without these locking caps, call Air Expo today to have them installed immediately. You will be doing yourself a huge favor as well as keeping refrigerant out of the wrong hands.  

Call 973-283-0300 or visit our website at www.AirExpoNJ.com

Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

You may think of air pollution as something that occurs outside rather than inside your home – vehicular exhaust, garbage sites, smog or industrial fumes. However, the truth is that your home can be more polluted than the air outside. You may have poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home and not even realize it.  If you have poor IAQ, you and members of your family could be suffering from health problems.  Here are five ways you can improve your home’s IAQ.

Change filters

A simple and cheap way to increase IAQ is to change the air filter.  Old, dirty air filters allow lots of allergens and dirt which can cause a wide range of problems including colds, headaches, and breathing problems into your home. Aside from causing negative effects on your body, dirty filters may cause the air conditioner greatly effect the efficiency of the unit.  Be sure to regularly change your filter, it’s a simple and economical way to keep your family breathing clean air.

Controlling humidity levels

Indoor humidity levels must be maintained between 45% and 55%. One way to achieve these levels is to purchase a dehumidifier. You can’t manage something you can’t measure.  A humidifier will reduce the amount of humidity in your air and lead to better breathing.  Having a dehumidifier in especially damp areas such as the basement is an inexpensive way of improving IAQ.
Proper ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential in reducing cooking odors, smoke, indoor pollutants, and moisture. Adequate ventilation in the basement, attic, and crawl space is necessary to improve indoor air quality and keep moisture from plaguing your home.  Be sure your return vents are fee of dust build up and are not blocked by furniture.   In the bathroom, laundry area and the kitchen install exhaust vent fans.

Avoid smoking inside the home

Smoke from cigarettes contains over 4000 different chemicals at high concentration, most of which are toxic. Second-hand cigarette smoke has similar effects to smoking. The best option is to stop smoking completely. Since quitting can be difficult, it would help to smoke outside. If you have friends who smoke, simply ask them to step outside if you truly care about indoor air quality at your home.

Photocatalytic air purifiers

Photocatalytic air purifiers use a method known as photocatalysis to zap all the harmful air pollutants and transform them to safe substances. This light powered purifier is effective for all types of people including those with asthma and allergies. Photocatalytic air purifiers work effectively to improve your home’s IAQ. Your professional HVAC contractor can help you with the proper unit, placement and installation of a photocatalytic air purifier.

IAQ is important to the health of you and your family.  When you implement the methods mentioned above your home’s IAQ will increase leading to a healthier home.    Contact the professionals at Air Expo NJ today to help you asses and improve your home’s indoor air quality.