How Weather Affects the HVAC Air Ducts

When the air ducts work properly, you will enjoy warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer. Any air quality testing method will show that the indoor air is free from particles which can cause allergies and other diseases. At the same time, there are a lot of threats to the operation of the ducts and consequently to the operation of the entire HVAC system. The weather can cause quite a lot of trouble in more ways than one.

The Effects of Wind, Rain and Cold

Heavy winds can have a two-fold negative impact. They can easily blow dust, debris and pollen into the ducts. The accumulation of these particles can cause clogging. Furthermore, they can easily enter the indoor space and cause allergies. The pollen is particularly dangerous because it causes hay fever whose symptoms can be quite serious. If there has been a heavy storm with strong winds in your area recently, you should consider air duct cleaning.

Rain and snow are major threats to the HVAC ductwork. They can cause damage when the roof of the house is not properly maintained and water leaks into the attic. Since water is pulled down by gravity, it will try to find the shortest way down. That way, it can enter the ducts and cause mold growth. The risk is greater if there are tiny holes and slits in the ductwork. In such cases, proper air duct repair is required.

Cold can be a serious threat to the air ducts in the attic when they are not properly sealed and insulated and when there is damage to the seal and/or to the insulation. Since the air inside is warmer than the air in the attic, condensation can occur and the moisture can cause mold growth. That is why you must provide air duct seal repair and insulation repair when you notice even minor damage.

Do not let the weather cause damage to the ductwork. Provide adequate air duct maintenance.