A ventilation cover over an air duct.
An air duct is a square or round hollow duct or tube usually made of sheet metal. The purpose of an air duct is to bring hot or cold air into rooms. Ducts are often part of the air conditioning and ventilation systems of a house or building.
The main source of heating and cooling of the building is connected to air ducts. This cooling or heating source produces thermal energy. The energy is pushed up through the air ducts and carried to other parts of the building as a result of the pressure.
A roof vent leading to an air duct.
As air passes through air ducts, vents are strategically placed in environments that need heating or cooling. The hot or cold air carried by the air duct is expelled through these openings, providing a temperature adjustment to the room. In many cases, the vents can be opened or closed at will to determine whether the air will leave the air duct or continue through the ducts.
Air ducts can be subject to various problems. Because the ducts are located off-site, in the walls or along the ceiling, maintenance can be difficult. They also often forget to perform proper maintenance, leading to potential long-term problems.
External wall vent leading to an air duct.
A leaky air duct, where the connections between the ducts themselves or between the ducts and the heater are not secure, can result in a huge loss of energy. Tubes can also leak as a result of natural wear and tear. Improper installation and design can also lead to duct leaks.
Most builders and HVAC technicians recommend regular cleaning of air ducts. Buildup of mold, dust, and bacteria in air ducts can lead to allergies and other respiratory problems. Proper air duct maintenance requires checking that the ducts are clean and unobstructed, and removing dust that collects in the openings and vents where the air ducts release air.
It is a relatively simple process to clean an air duct. The first step in the cleaning process is to remove the vent covers with a screwdriver. If so, also remove the air filters.
Flush and clean the inside of the duct, including the walls and ceiling. Then vacuum the vents and ducts as deeply as possible. Connect the vacuum hose to the machine first before cleaning the air passages.
If they are dusty or dirty, you may also need to replace the air filters. Use a vacuum to clean the vent covers and remove any buildup of dust particles that have become trapped in them. Change air filters every month to keep circulating air clean.
Sheet metal is commonly used to make air ducts.
Homeowners can also hire a professional duct cleaning crew that will clean ducts and vents and remove visible worms, mold, and dust. Professional air duct cleaners also inspect and clean the entire heating and cooling system, including fans, registers, coils, ducts, and coils. This process can keep your heating and cooling system in good working order.