HVAC 101: Ductwork

Your HVAC system is one of the most complex running systems in your home, so it’s important to know all of the different aspects of it and how you can work to help keep it in tip-top shape. With many different parts making it up, it can become confusing if you don’t know how to properly use and care for your system. The ductwork, specifically, is one of the many components of your home’s HVAC system. At CCAC we want to make sure that you are fully educated on your home’s HVAC system. Here is a rundown of what air ducts do, why they’re important, and how you can work to ensure a long life for your system.

What are air ducts?

The air ducts in your home are essentially the passageways for the cool or warm air that is coming from the heart of your HVAC unit. The air that you set your thermostat to comes from the compressor, coils, and blower part of your HVAC unit. Once that air is conditioned, it is sent through the air ducts and dropped through the vents and into your home. Your ductwork is what allows the air you want in your home to travel from the production sites of the unit and into the actual rooms of your house.

Why are they important?

Air ducts are important to your home’s setup because it is the system that allows the air to get to the different areas of your house. The circulation of air is what allows for consistent comfort inside your home no matter what season you’re in at the time. It’s important to keep them clean and cared for so they can continue to provide the services they’re meant to offer your home. Think of your HVAC system as being like your body: the AC unit is the heart, with the ducts working like veins, carrying the conditioned air to the portions of your home where you most need it.

Maintenance is important

The maintenance of your air ducts is an essential part of keeping your HVAC unit as efficient as it can be. Over time, the particles that travel alongside the air in your air ducts accumulate so much that the air duct filters either need to be cleaned or replaced for better efficiency. It is recommended that you get your ductwork checked regularly, especially if you notice a lot of dust build-up or just general changes in the way your system is working. Ductwork can experience a range of issues including:

• Broken ducts
• Leaking ducts
• Dirty ducts
• Collapsed ducts

In order to ensure that your home’s conditioned air isn’t being curbed by malfunctioning ducts, it is recommended that you have your home’s duct system tuned-up and inspected seasonally.

Air duct components

As previously mentioned, there are many parts that have to work together to make your HVAC system run smoothly. Here is a list of just a few of the many important components when it comes to your air ducts:

• Plenum – The plenum is the device that collects the air and redistributes it back into the flow of your HVAC system. The ductwork is directly connected to the plenum so the air can be distributed to its proper location.
• Duct fittings – There are many different kinds of duct fittings depending on the job that needs to be done. A duct reducer allows an easy change from one size duct to another. A vent cap fitting aids in the airflow performance by guarding the end of ductwork that is open. A professional HVAC technician can help you learn more about what type of fitting best suits your needs depending on how you want air to flow through your home.
• Dampers – Dampers assist in the regulation of airflow in your HVAC system. More typically used in “zoning” or “zone control” systems, they regulate the airflow into the specific areas of your home by using a moveable plate. Dampers are always located inside of the ductwork.

The air ducts in your home are extremely important in reaching your max level of comfort no matter what time of the year it is. Whether you’re trying to warm your house up in the winter or make it an icebox during the hot Corpus Christi summers, the ductwork is what will help make that happen! Mathews CCAC is dedicated to making sure you have everything you need to reach that level of comfort. For any HVAC maintenance or installation needs, contact us at CCAC for professional help!