What Is Blocking My Air Ducts?

Before coming out of vents to cool or warm your home, the air running through your HVAC unit is sent through a system of ducts. It’s not uncommon for a blockage to form in your ductwork, especially if your ducts have not been cleaned recently.

A blockage in your duct compromises your HVAC system’s efficiency, making it harder for warm or cool air to reach the inside of your home and likely increasing your electric bill. If you have noticed that some rooms in your home are warmer or cooler than others, or that certain vents are not blowing air out as hard as others, a blockage in your ductwork might be the cause. Learn what could be blocking your ducts and how to prevent it!

Dirty Filters

When your air filter is dirty, less air is able to travel through it. This means your HVAC system has to work harder to compensate for the blockage. Dirt, dust, pet dander and other particles that built up in your air filter over time, not only reducing your unit’s efficiency, but also reducing your indoor air quality.

To get the most out of your HVAC system, we suggest changing your filter once a month. If it has been a long time since you last changed your filter, you’ll likely see an immediate increase in airflow after changing it.

Closed Zone Dampers

Within your ductwork, there are dampers that allow you to control where air is flowing. Sometimes, dampers can get accidentally shut when you are cleaning your ducts. They can also become loose and shut on their own. A closed damper will halt all airflow through the duct it is in and could potentially affect airflow through the whole house. You should have access to your dampers, so check your ducts to make sure that they are wide open.

Dirt and Debris

Over time, dirt and debris from outside can build up in your ducts. If it has been a year or more since you last had your ducts cleaned, it is possible that enough debris has piled up to create a blockage. To reduce the occurrence of debris building up in your ducts, we recommend having them cleaned by a professional HVAC technician every six months.

When To Call a Professional

If you believe a blockage in your ducts is reducing the quality and efficiency of your HVAC unit, call Sea Coast Air Conditioning today. An experienced technician will get to the root of your problem and clear your blockage in no time.

To prevent blockages from happening in the first place, we also offer a variety of maintenance programs. Visit our website for more information or call to schedule an appointment today!