Tag: about

Curious About Air Ducts? Here Are The Answers

What Are Air Ducts Anyway?

If the home has an HVAC or central air conditioning unit, homeowners may already have air ducts installed. But even for people who have these things snaking in and around their house, air ducts can still seem pretty mysterious. So what exactly are they, and how important is their presence at home? 

For the uninitiated, air ducts are conduits that allow warm or cool air to flow into all the rooms in the house to ventilate and regulate the temperature inside these spaces. Air ducts, however, do not exist as a separate entity. Instead, it is part of the central heating and cooling system and is connected to the HVAC unit, which heats and cools the air for distribution through the air ducts. Therefore, air ducts are responsible for delivering temperature-regulated air and ventilation air around the house to ensure optimum levels of indoor air quality and personal comfort for all of a home's occupants.

Average Lifespan of an Air Duct

replacementThe responsibility of delivering high-quality indoor air is not a trifling thing, so it is good that air ducts continue to be built with sturdiness and durability in mind. On average, ductwork has a maximum life expectancy of 20-25 years and usually starts to deteriorate sometime around its 15th year. This is why experts recommend having air ducts checked regularly, especially once they turn 15 years old when they begin to show considerable wear and tear, prompting the need to go beyond air duct repair and instead consider air duct replacement.

Are My Air Ducts Damaged?

While ductwork is expected to last for more than a decade, air duct damage can be more severe than usual. If a homeowner suspects damage to the ductwork, here are some signs that may confirm this:

  • Subpar or uneven heating or cooling - If the HVAC unit works fine but still has a problem with heating or cooling in different rooms inside the house, it could be related to the air ducts.
  • Uncomfortable atmosphere indoors - stuffy rooms that make breathing hard can be caused by defective ductwork.
  • Worsening allergic reactions - Homeowners who notice an increased sensitivity to allergens may want to consider air ducts as the source of this unusually frequent irritation.
  • Unusually excessive amounts of dust - dust that gathers and doesn't seem to clear can be related to damaged air ducts.
  • High energy bills - Inefficiency in heating and cooling can also be caused by issues with the ductwork.

Signs That the Ductwork Needs Some Serious Cleaning 

ductMost of the signs mentioned above that point to damaged air ducts can also double as symptoms of another ductwork-related problem, which is simple enough yet often overlooked - dirt that has accumulated and needs to be cleaned. 

Most of these signs, including unpleasant odors or the visible presence of mold on the receptors or vent covers, can be remedied by calling professional air duct cleaning services. By conducting regular duct cleaning, homeowners will be able to address these issues once and for all even as they add value to their air ducts as keeping them clean and well-maintained will surely extend the ductwork's lifespan and save homeowners a significant amount of money that would otherwise go to replacing the ductwork.

About Central Heating

Central Heating is one of the top trusted HVAC solutions providers in Barrie, ON serving its surrounding communities and neighborhoods for over 16 years. As a full-service heating contractor, their team prides itself on providing expert workmanship that is fast, friendly, and reliable. They also offer affordable pricing and financing options that fit nearly every budget. Call them today for HVAC services in Barrie, ON.

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Answering Questions About Residential Boilers for Valentine's Day

Three Things Customers Should Know About Their Boiler

Even though the boiler and radiator system has been around for a long time, they still have a lot of potential for a lifetime of warmth. Modern boilers are only vaguely recognizable when compared to their ancestors and offer consistent, ecologically friendly heating for either a hot water tank, a home, or both! Customers may find themselves softened and falling in love with their heating again if they choose a boiler system.

Boilers Don't Really Boil

boilWhen people hear the term "boiler," they may think of steam coming from the funnel of an old locomotive or water boiling in a pot. While boilers used steam in the past, these days, they merely use a heat exchanger to heat water and send it through a closed system of pipes to warm the home. The basic parts of a boiler include the following list:

  • Burner: This is the source of heat and may be fueled by oil, kerosene, or natural gas. 
  • Heat Exchanger: This is part of the boiler that water moves through to heat up. The gas from the burner heats the air in the heat exchangers, which raises the temperature of the water that travels through the exchanger's coiled pipes. 
  • Water Tank: This is often present when the boiler is used to heat water for the home and acts as a part of the central heating system.
  • Pipes: A closed system of pipes transports the heated water throughout the home.
  • Thermal units: These are nodes connected to the pipes that may distribute heat to the rest of the home(like a radiator). Modern boilers may not have visible thermal units because the heat is transferred via the baseboards or the home's floor.

This Old-School Option is Eco Friendly

billsInstalling a boiler may seem like going backward from a technological standpoint, but this is not true. Boilers are not only continually being improved just as other systems are, but they are also a good choice for environmentally conscious people. Some ecological and health benefits from a boiler system are listed below.

  • The closed system of pipes recycles water
  • Highly energy efficient
  • Low emissions
  • No air ducts reduce heat loss
  • No transfer of allergens such as mold and mildew
  • Saves money on energy bills

Beware of Low Pressure!

Low water pressure in a boiler ruins its efficiency and can be caused by a leak or clog in the water pipes. Boiler repairs will be needed, or the whole system may be in danger of malfunctioning. Due to the difficulty of determining the exact cause of the low pressure, a homeowner should always hire a trained professional. This will likely extend the life of the boilers and avoid the need for emergency action. Keeping up with maintenance and boiler repairs is important to peace of mind and physical comfort.

About Central Heating

Central Heating offers emergency services for Barrie, ON, and the surrounding communities. Call them today for information on financing options and their expert workmanship during boiler service.

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