When Should You Replace Ductwork in Your Home?

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

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. Overtime 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 air ducts are 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 duct work 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.

Call Us:  973-283-0300

Do you Need AC Repair?

Is your AC broken? or Can you DIY?

Temperature feels a little warm inside, and you begin to panic- you immediately think your HVAC is broken. When your AC stops working you may impulsively rush to the phone to call for ac repair. In the hot summer weather we don't want to be without our central AC for too long. However there are a few things that you should check that you may be able to fix yourself before you call for service. Check these things before you call for service:

Condenser

Your condenser is most likely outside. This area could become blocked and this would restrict airflow to your unit. You could also have a malfunction if the condenser is very dirty. You need to carefully remove any obstacles or hose off the unit to wash the dirt away to clean the condenser.

Filter

A clean filter is vital to your AC functioning properly. If you haven't changed it in a while then you will likely have limited airflow. If your filter is full of dust and debris you should change it and your AC could be back to normal in no time.

Breaker

Locate your breaker box and see if the breaker has been tripped and for some reason. If the breaker has shut off then simply switch the flip back on and you should be good to go.

Thermostat

Your thermostat controls the temperature in your home. Check to make sure that the temperature isn't turned too high causing the AC not to turn on. Try lowering the temperature a few degrees. Also your thermostat could require a battery change.

Before you call for service on your AC you should check the above for items first. If you are still having issues then call the experts at Air Expo for quality ac repair. We service Northern Jersey 24/7 for residential and commercial AC repair.

 (973) 283-0300

1212 NJ-23 Butler NJ 07405

Winter HVAC Maintenance

Tips for Winter HVAC Maintenance

Temperatures have begun to drop and air pollutants increase.  It is also the perfect time to begin your HVAC maintenance for the frigid winter weather months to follow.  

HVAC Maintenance and Cleaning

It is important to do some seasonal cleaning, and schedule a maintenance visit to tweak your system for maximum output.  Cleaning your air conditioner's outside unit is one of the necessary tasks to maintain your HVAC system.

Follow these five easy steps:

·         Open the metal box near your outside unit, and turn the switch to the off position

·         Use a water hose to spray off any loose debris

Spray the unit with coil cleaner

·         Wait 15 minutes to let the cleaner foam and bond with the dirt on the coils

Rinse the coil cleaner off with the hose

Dirty coils and blower parts can negatively affect your indoor air quality.  If this HVAC maintenance is not done, bacteria, fungi, and pollen can build up in your system.  Breathing those things in can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, asthma attacks, or even flu-like symptoms.  Regular HVAC maintenance will reduce any contamination of your air stream, which ensures a healthier household.

Replace the Filter

Change your filter every season to clear your home's HVAC and ductwork.  A clean filter can increase productivity by 15%, which will save you money and require less HVAC maintenance.

Consider an Upgrade

Fall is the perfect time to upgrade your HVAC unit, because the temperature is usually not too hot or too cold.  If your system is old, now is the time to make the change.  You don't want to wait and end up changing your furnace during the dead of winter.

Warm it Up

Another important part of HVAC maintenance involves keeping your system warm and loose.  Just like a car, your HVAC system benefits from regular use.  Run your unit a few weeks before the weather turns cold and it will be primed for use when the time comes to begin using it.

Prepare your Outdoor Unit for the Cold

HVAC maintenance includes making sure your outside unit does not freeze over.  The best way to prevent this from happening is to clear the airflow, change your refrigerant, and keep it warm.  When the outside temperature drops below 60 degrees, cover the unit with a thick blanket.  If you haven't already, it is time to purchase a blanket that will protect your unit from ice.

Regular HVAC maintenance can actually reduce the potential for costly repairs by as much as 95%.  While you may not be able to avoid all HVAC repairs, this preventive care can save a lot of money and inconvenience down the road by preventing most unexpected heating or cooling emergencies from taking place.  Call the Bloomingdale NJ AC Experts at Air Expo today for all of your winter HVAC needs and beyond.  973-283-0300