When it comes to maintaining a comfortable home, the size of your air ducts plays a big role in the efficiency and effectiveness of your HVAC system. Unfortunately, many homeowners may not realize that their ductwork is too small until they start living with uncomfortable temperatures, high energy bills, and poor indoor air quality. Having the correct size air ducts in your home is a must. And understanding the implications of having air ducts that are too small for your home is essential for making sure you stay comfortable all year long.
There are seven major issues you will face if your home has incorrectly-sized air ducts:
- Poor Airflow
Small air ducts restrict the amount of air that can flow through the HVAC system. This leads to inadequate airflow, making it difficult for the HVAC unit to distribute conditioned or heated air evenly throughout the home. As a result, some rooms may feel uncomfortably warm in summer, while others may stay cold in winter.
- Increased Energy Costs
When air ducts are too small, the HVAC system has to work harder to push air through the restricted pathways. This increased workload causes your system to use more energy because the system has to run longer and more frequently to get to and maintain the desired temperature. This overuse of energy will cause a big increase in your monthly bill.
- Uneven Temperatures
A common complaint among homeowners with small air ducts is uneven temperature distribution. Rooms that are farther away from the HVAC unit may receive less conditioned air, leading to significant temperature differences within the home. For example, bedrooms may be warmer than the living room, or one room might not get as cool or warm as the room next to it.
“When your air ducts are undersized it doesn’t matter how much power you have coming out of your system, your home will not be able to cool or heat correctly,” says Jim East, owner of JW East Mechanical. “This is a very common issue we come across in houses that complain about lack of airflow. Once we fit a house with the correct size air ducts, it revitalizes the entire system by changing the air delivery.”
- Increased Wear and Tear on HVAC Equipment
The strain of pushing air through undersized ducts increases wear and tear on the HVAC system. Continuous operation under stress can lead to frequent breakdowns, costly repairs, and even premature system failure. Homeowners may find themselves needing to replace their HVAC systems sooner than expected due to the increased stress caused by inadequate duct sizing.
- Poor Indoor Air Quality
Small air ducts keep your HVAC system from properly filtering and circulating air, which can lead to a decline in indoor air quality. Dust, allergens, and other pollutants can accumulate in stagnant parts of the home and recirculate, causing allergies and respiratory issues for anyone living inside the home, especially children and the elderly. Poor airflow can also trap moisture in specific areas, leading to mold growth and other humidity-related problems. As Houstonians, humidity-related issues are very common in our homes, which is why we need to do everything possible to keep it under control.
- Noise Problems
When air is forced through small ducts, it creates high-velocity airflow resulting in increased noise levels. Homeowners might notice loud sounds coming from their vents or rattling noises as the system struggles to deliver air. As you know, any strange sound coming from your HVAC system is a sign that something isn’t working as it should, and loud noises are often the first sign a homeowner notices if their air ducts are the incorrect size.
- Humidity Control Issues
Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for our comfort and the overall health of our home. Small ducts limit the system’s ability to dehumidify the air, which leads to higher humidity levels indoors. And the last place we want humidity is inside! Indoor humidity creates a sticky and uncomfortable home, and also makes a perfect environment for mold growth.
If you notice any of the symptoms above and think your home might have undersized air ducts, call the experts at JW East Mechanical. We have years of experience and can help get your house working again in optimal condition.