No one likes turning on the heater and being greeted by a burnt, dusty smell. If this happens, it’s a sign that your HVAC air ducts may need some attention. In Las Vegas, NV, where nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing, proper duct maintenance isn’t just about comfort. It can save you money. Clean, sealed, and insulated ducts make sure your heating system is efficient and keeps your air clean. Let’s look at six practical ways to get your ductwork ready for the colder months ahead.
1. Seal and Insulate Your HVAC Air Ducts
Ductwork expands and contracts as temperatures change. If you ever hear those popping or banging sounds when your heater kicks on, that’s your ducts adjusting. Over time, this constant movement can loosen connections and create air leaks. Those leaks let heated air escape into places like attics, basements, or crawlspaces, which means your furnace or heat pump has to work harder to heat your home. Sealing your air ducts closes off these leaks and ensures all the heated air reaches your living spaces.
According to the most recent research published by authoritative bodies, sealing air ducts can reduce air leaks by as much as 90%. It can also boost the efficiency of your HVAC system by up to 30%. That’s a win-win for comfort and energy savings.
Sealing Ducts and Improving Air Quality
Leaky air ducts don’t just hurt efficiency. They can also affect the air you breathe. Gaps in ductwork allow unfiltered air from dusty spaces, such as basements or attics, to enter your home. This can lead to sneezing, coughing, or worse, if anyone in your household has allergies or respiratory issues. Sealing your ducts before winter hits helps ensure your air stays clean and safe.
Insulating for Better Comfort
Ducts in unconditioned spaces, like attics or crawlspaces, can lose heat through conduction. That means the warm air your HVAC system works to produce is cooling down before it even reaches all the rooms in your home. Insulating your ductwork with wraps or liners can help prevent that heat loss. This is a measure that will keep your home cozy without overworking your system.
2. Check and Open Closed Air Vents
It might seem like a good idea to close air vents in rooms you’re not using to save energy. However, this actually creates more problems than it solves. Closed vents increase pressure inside the ductwork, which forces your HVAC system to work harder. Over time, this extra strain can cause your system to short cycle, overheat, or even shut down unexpectedly.
Take a walk through your home and make sure all vents are at least partially open. Also, make certain that no furniture or curtains are blocking the airflow.
How to Unblock Your Vents
If you find any furniture or large items in front of your vents, move them. Even a slight blockage can reduce airflow and create cold spots in your home. Keeping vents clear helps ensure air circulates properly and your home heats evenly to maintain the comfort of everyone in your household.
Quick Vent Cleaning
Over time, dust can build up on vent covers, and this can affect airflow. To clean them, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth. You can also remove the covers and vacuum behind them with a hose attachment. This quick cleaning routine keeps air flowing freely and helps maintain better indoor air quality.
3. Schedule Professional Duct Maintenance
Although your HVAC system gets a quick check during seasonal tune-ups, this isn’t the same as comprehensive duct maintenance. A full inspection of your ductwork by an HVAC professional can catch small issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. Aim to have your ducts checked and maintained at least once a year. If you didn’t get it done in the spring or summer, scheduling it before winter arrives is a smart move.
4. Book Air Balancing Services
Air balancing fine-tunes how air flows through your home by adjusting vent and damper positions. It ensures that every room gets the right amount of airflow, and it makes sure no area is too hot or too cold. If you’ve closed vents or moved furniture around, air balancing can help reset everything for optimal comfort.
This service is especially helpful if you’ve noticed uneven temperatures or have recently remodeled. It’s a good idea to combine air balancing with other services, like duct cleaning or sealing, to save time and money.
5. Clean Your Air Ducts
Dirt, dust, and other debris can build up in your ductwork over time. If turning on your heater fills your home with a musty odor, it’s a sign your ducts might need cleaning. While the EPA recommends duct cleaning only when necessary, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) suggests having ducts cleaned every two to three years. If indoor air quality is a concern, a good cleaning can make an enormous difference.
After a Pest Problem
If you’ve had pests in your home, cleaning your ducts is critical. Pests leave behind fur, droppings, and other debris that can affect your air quality and cause odors. Cleaning out your ducts will remove these contaminants and protect your HVAC system from further issues.
Eliminating Smoke Odors
Smoke, whether from wildfires or other sources, can linger in your home long after the initial exposure. Duct cleaning can remove smoke residues from your system, and this can improve air quality and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Mold and Mildew Prevention
If you’ve dealt with mold or mildew in your home, cleaning your ducts is an essential step to prevent further problems. Mold spores can travel through your ductwork, worsening air quality and creating musty odors. A thorough cleaning will help keep your system mold-free and your home smelling fresh.
6. Stock Up on Air Filters
The air filter is the first line of defense for your HVAC system against dust, pollen, and other particulates. To keep your ducts clean and your system running smoothly, be sure to change your air filters regularly. Most standard filters need to be checked every 30 to 90 days, depending on the size of your home, air quality, and how often you use the system.
It’s always a good idea to have extra filters on hand before winter starts. This way, you won’t have to scramble to replace one when it gets dirty.
Prepping your HVAC air ducts for winter doesn’t have to be a hassle. By sealing and insulating ducts, opening and cleaning vents, scheduling professional maintenance, and keeping air filters fresh, you’ll ensure your system runs efficiently all winter long. Plus, you’ll enjoy cleaner air and a more comfortable home.
Contact the Experts for Help
At Polar Air & Heating, Inc., we specialize in helping Las Vegas homeowners improve their HVAC systems. From heating and cooling to indoor air quality and duct cleaning, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us today to make sure your air ducts are ready for the colder months ahead.
