HVAC Duct Inspection Guide

Most homes feature walls and ceilings full of ductwork that is responsible for delivering heating and cooling to each and every room. Juts because the ducts go unseen doesn’t mean homeowners should ignore them. Duct inspections should be included as part of your regular HVAC maintenance checks.

Visual Duct Inspections

A visual inspection is one of the very first inspections an HVAC professional will perform. The technician will enter your basement, attic, and other crawl spaces to look for obvious signs of duct problems. Visible damage can include broken mounts, holes, and dents.

This inspection will also focus on the sounds your HVAC system is making. For instance, the duct may make some clanging sounds or other unusual noises. Visual inspections are done to determine the location and causes of these noises. Duct noises are not only unpleasant, they can also lead to bigger problems if left unrepaired.

Oftentimes, ducts will become loose and a technician will need to remount them. The HVAC professionals may have to install new brackets that offer more secure support for your ducts.

Duct Sealing

When a visual inspection results in identifying an air leak, a duct sealing will likely be called for. Replacing the entire duct system can be quite costly. Duct sealing will focus solely on the air leaks so you won’t need to replace every part.

A common way to seal a duct in the home is to use metal tape. The tape will go over the duct securely, holding the air in. The technician may end up sealing paste depending on both the location and size of the hole. A paste will then completely dry on the metal and eliminate the air leak.

In some cases, a technician may cover a layer of paste using a piece of metal tape. This will provide extra protection. Once your duct is sealed, the technician may repeat a blower test to make sure the seal works properly while your system runs smoothly.

How Much Do HVAC Duct Inspections Cost?

Air ducts undoubtedly play a vital role in your home’s AC unit, maintaining a specific temperature and circulating air. Basic inspections are performed to make sure the system works efficiently, and there are no found contaminants. The average price range for air duct inspections is $80-$150 total.

Why Have Your HVAC Ducts Inspected?

The inspections and air leak repairs will result in several benefits for the homeowner. You will ultimately reduce your energy costs and improve the overall quality of air. When your duct has a leak, it will pull in unfiltered air and dust that eventually distributes to the rest of the home.

The air leaks create poor air quality within your home. HVAC duct inspections by the team at Ascent Heating & Cooling in Tempe, AZ will ensure every homeowner breathes in clean and filtered air.