Think about how your air conditioner just blows a little bit of air on a hot day, but your energy cost goes up.
The hidden air ducts are typically the cause of your pain and money loss.
There are a lot of suggestions out there for homeowners trying to save money.
Your ducts handle air quality, efficiency, and even health.
Not getting care or following faulty advice can lead to higher costs, breakdowns, and stifling air.
To bust these air duct myths, we need to start with facts: Proper ductwork installation is the first step, but keeping an eye on it is what keeps it running.
Using rules from the EPA and NADCA, we’ll disprove six common assumptions. Learn how to protect your money.
“Air Ducts Don’t Need Attention Unless Something Breaks”
People say, “Out of sight, out of mind.” Because of this misperception regarding air ducts, homeowners don’t clean them until something awful happens, like hot spots or growing mold.
But difficulties come up when you ignore things.
Dust, dirt, and mold build up in ducts, whi+arder.
The EPA says this strain uses more energy and shortens the life of systems.
NADCA stresses inspections catch leaks or blockages early, averting hundreds of fixes.
One overlooked gap can waste 20% of conditioned air.
Proactive air duct maintenance every 1-3 years prevents that.
Think annual checkups like oil changes: They keep costs low and air flowing.
“Duct Cleaning Is a Scam, It Doesn’t Do Anything”
“Duct cleaning? Total rip-off.” This skepticism stems from fly-by-night ops, but blanket dismissal is another air duct myth.
Done right, for the right reasons, it delivers real gains.
The EPA advises against routine cleans but green-lights them for mold, pests, or heavy dust.
NADCA reports cleaned ducts boost airflow 10-46% and cut fan energy 41-60%.
Plus, it curbs allergens, easing allergies.
Dirty buildup clogs like plaque, spiking bills 20-30%.
Vet providers via NADCA certification, starting with inspection.
It’s no scam, it’s smart duct cleaning for healthier homes and lighter wallets.
“Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Money”
Guest room empty? Shutting the vent to trim costs sounds smart.
But this hack backfires, a costly air duct myth.
Blocking vents spikes system pressure, making the blower labor harder and guzzling more power, up to 20% less efficiency.
It strains parts, risking leaks or collapse, and $1,000+ repairs.
Studies show no savings; bills often rise as the system compensates.
Opt for zoning or smart thermostats instead.
Balance airflow, and your HVAC and budget stay happy.
“New Homes Don’t Need Duct Inspections”
Fresh build, flawless ducts? Think again, this oversight hits newbies hard.
Construction dust and debris infiltrate during installation, breeding mold and cutting efficiency.
Leaks from sloppy seals waste 30% of air; tight homes trap moisture.
EPA urges checks to spot flaws early. NADCA calls inspections key for IAQ and prevents repairs.
One Texas buyer caught leaks post-move-in, dodging inefficiency.
Inspect soon after closing; new doesn’t mean perfect.
“Bigger Ducts Always Mean Better Airflow”
Bigger equals better? Not here. Oversizing ducts for “superior” flow ignores basics, creating sluggish air and waste.
ACCA warns improper sizing causes noise, uneven temperatures, and wasting energy loss via leaks.
Low velocity hampers heat transfer, triggering short cycles that wear equipment.
Fuse Service notes mismatched sizes, top comfort complaints, and inflated bills.
Right-sized ducts mean steady comfort, no excess.
“DIY Fixes Are Just as Good as Professional Work”
YouTube fix? Grab tape and go. But DIY duct patches often flop, risking more harm.
Amateurs forget to put seals on, which lets air and dirt out and lowers efficiency by 20%.
For those who don’t know what they’re doing, electrical shocks, fires, and leaks in refrigerants are all possible.
It also violates warranties.
Pros wield tools like aerosealing for lasting results.
Skip the heroics; call experts for safe, effective air duct maintenance.
In Conclusion
From ignoring upkeep to DIY disasters, these air duct myths erode efficiency and pad bills.
EPA and NADCA facts show proactive care, like targeted cleans and inspections, pays off in comfort and savings.
Embrace real air duct maintenance over shortcuts.
Your home runs better, your air stays clean. Consult a pro today — breathe easy, spend wisely.
