HVAC Systems

The weather in Pittsburgh during the winter months can be temperamental and fluctuate regularly. Temperatures can change drastically from week to week, from frigid cold to brisk, spring-like days.

Ductwork obstructions are not something that many homeowners consider in terms of HVAC problems, but they do exist, creating uneven temperatures throughout the home that lead to higher heating bills. A blockage in your ductwork prevents a room from heating or cooling properly, causing your HVAC system to work overtime to maintain the temperature that you have set on your thermostat. A ductwork obstruction can also lower the air quality in your home that can cause health concerns, particularly with those who suffer from asthma or allergies.

 

Below are a few things that can cause an obstruction in your ductwork, some of which can be remedied yourself, and some which will require an experienced professional to correct:

  1. Your air filters are clogged or dirty. For maximum energy-efficiency and air quality, your furnace filter should be changed regularly, especially if you have pets in the home. A clogged or dirty air filter hinders the airflow throughout the home, as well as causing “dirty” air to be circulated throughout the home.
  2. Your vents are obstructed or dirty. In order for clean air to flow efficiently throughout your home, it needs to have a pathway from your HVAC system to your rooms. Make sure that your vents are not preventing air from circulating.
  3. Your dampers are not functioning properly. Dampers are valves or plates that regulate air flow inside the ductwork of your HVAC system. There are two types of dampers that regulate the amount of air conditioning or heat being delivered in a room: manual and automatic. If your dampers are closed or not functioning properly, airflow is disturbed and obstructions can occur.
  4. Your ductwork is damaged. Whether it is loose seams that are causing air to leak or damage to the actual duct itself. In either case, you should not attempt to fix your ducts on your own: this is a professional job and requires experienced technicians.
  5. Your ducts are obstructed from within. Physical objects that are inside your ducts are invisible to the eye but can have a significant effect on the quality of your air. If you cannot see an object, but suspect that one may be there, do not attempt to retrieve it on your own – you can cause further damage to the ductwork.

If you are in need of duct repair, turn to the experts at Pittsburgh’s Best. Our expert professionals will track down the problem and address it to your satisfaction. We have been proudly serving all of Pittsburgh’s HVAC needs with honest and accurate estimates, and we look forward to serving yours