Duct inspections are an important part of your annual home maintenance and HVAC repair schedules. Leaky, uninsulated, disconnected or obstructed ducts will significantly reduce the energy efficiency of your HVAC system and can compromise whole-house comfort and indoor air quality. If you like DIY projects, make it a point to inspect your ductwork annually. If not, hire a licensed HVAC technician to do it for you.

Here are three signs that your Ohio home is in need of duct-related HVAC repair.

• Noticeable debris around the vents - The next time your HVAC system is on, walk around and inspect the vents. Are there any with noticeable debris, such as cobwebs, dust or miscellaneous items, coming out of the vents? This can be a sign of dirty ducts. In addition to blocking healthy airflow, this debris will circulate through your home, which can exacerbate allergies and other respiratory problems. You can remove the vents and use a digital camera with a flash to take a picture. This will help you to see any debris further back in the ductwork such as evidence of rodent activity.
• Mold or mildew - Look around all vents and air intakes, and peek into your attic and basement to inspect visible sections of ductwork. If you see any evidence of mold, your ductwork needs attention. Mold and mildew  can cause serious health problems, so the sooner you get rid of them, the better. This is one example of when professional duct cleaning is a must. Once your ducts are cleaned and sealed, you shouldn't need to clean them for several years.
• Obvious maintenance issues - Your duct system should be tightly sealed and insulated year-round for optimal energy savings. If you can see areas where mastic tape or other connective materials are corroding, sections of ductwork that have come apart, or areas where insulation has either fallen away from the ducts or collapsed into the ductwork, these items need to be repaired.

Have you noticed any of these signs in the ductwork of your Ohio home? Contact Tri-County Heating & Cooling for expert HVAC repair and maintenance.

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