The Anatomy of a Ductwork System
A ductwork system controls the air distribution to the HVAC unit. Since all of these elements usually intertwine above the ceiling tiles, most homeowners are unaware of their ductwork system or how it works.
A ductwork system controls the air distribution to the HVAC unit. Since all of these elements usually intertwine above the ceiling tiles, most homeowners are unaware of their ductwork system or how it works.
Continue reading to learn about the anatomy of a ductwork system and how to tell if it isn’t working correctly.
What is a ductwork system?
Ductwork refers to the collection of pipes and tubes connected to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It’s responsible for circulating air and supplying it to the furnace and air conditioner.
There are two main types of ducts: return ducts, which supply indoor air to the HVAC unit, and supply ducts, which blow cool or warm air inside a house. These tubes are spread throughout the entire house. They’re also called air ducts, and they usually consist of galvanized steel, aluminum, or polyurethane.
A home’s ductwork system is essential because it provides the household with good indoor air quality and warm or cool temperatures.
Ductwork system components
Ductwork systems vary in design and components, but they are all connected to the HVAC system.
There are various types of ductwork system designs. Some of the most common are a radial duct system, the extended plenum system, the reducing extended plenum system, and the loop system.
When it comes to the anatomy of a ductwork system, the most common components include vibration isolators, take-offs, plenums, air terminals, and other terminal units. Volume control dampers and smoke and fire dampers are also necessary, as they regulate airflow and seal off a duct when they detect smoke.
Issues with the ductwork system
If there is a leak in the ductwork system, the return and supply ducts will perform poorly. Signs of leaks include increased utility bills (especially in summer and winter), low indoor air quality, cold or hot spots, and excess dust. These occurrences can also point to little or no airflow from the supply vent.
Another common sign of a problem with the ductwork system is loud noise. While it’s normal for the HVAC system to produce noise, excessive rattling or whistling sounds could mean that one of the ducts is damaged.
There could also be issues with the design of the ductwork system. For example, the ductwork might be too long, limiting the air supply.
Ductwork maintenance
It’s generally recommended to inspect the ductwork system once a year, which brings us to ductwork cleaning. Since ducts are usually hard to reach and even harder to clean, hiring professional ductwork cleaning services is recommended.
Common signs that you should clean the ductwork system include too much dust on furniture, limited airflow from the vents, and a stale odor coming from the HVAC system. More severe signs, like headaches, nausea, fatigue, allergies, and similar sickness symptoms, could also indicate that harmful pathogens are in the air and a ductwork cleaning is long overdue.
Know the ins and outs of the ductwork system
Behind every functioning HVAC system is a complex system of tubes and pipes known as the ductwork system. The ductwork system must be maintained and cleaned regularly to supply air to the HVAC system. A professional ductwork and HVAC maintenance company can make sure everything is working correctly and clean all the places that are hard to reach.
Modern Air Conditioning & Heating is a Boulder City-based HVAC company offering 15 years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC services for all makes and models. You can also call us directly at (702) 919-4365.
