Ductwork systems play an important role in cooling and heating industrial environments. Ductwork essentially circulates the main HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. When not installed correctly, this can cause problems such as parts of the environment becoming cold or hot and energy bills rocketing.
If your ductwork is ancient or you sense that it is not working properly, look out for the following four signs that herald the need for a ductwork replacement.
1. Kinked ducts
While it is usually recommended that a qualified HVAC technician should carry out an inspection, it is possible to do your own checks that will reveal tell-tale signs of needing a ductwork replacement. Checks that you can do for yourself include assessing any leakage of air and looking at holes. If you discover that the ductwork is bent or kinked, this is a red flag for you to find an expert HVAC technician.
2. Reduced airflow
Friction inside the duct can lie behind airflow problems. This occurs when air going through the ductwork impacts the inner surfaces, leading to the air slowing down and losing energy. The material the duct is made of and excessive dirt can also lead to inconsistent airflow.
3. Hot and cold places
Impaired airflow inside a ductwork system can cause cold and hot spots to form inside commercial buildings, which can signal that the ductwork parts are not working properly. Reasons for this include equipment size misjudgement, air leakage, and obstructed airflow. If this is happening to you, you should employ an HVAC technician to investigate the problem.
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Ductwork needs to be correctly installed, with a government publication offering guidance on the proper installation of ventilation systems.
4. Noise
Your ductwork may well be faulty if you are hearing strange noises coming from the ductwork. This may happen as a result of something suddenly happening in the ductwork or could be a phenomenon that grows gradually over time. Shaking, rattling and whistling are all suspicious sounds to listen out for, as they could indicate that either your ductwork has holes and leaks or that something is loose in your ductwork. You should address these issues immediately to improve your ductwork’s efficiency.