Tag: air ducts

Maintain Your Ducts And Keep Them Free Of Contaminants In Five Easy Steps

Posted on by kerry

ductwork maintenance Long Island, NY areaThere are Simple Things You Can Do to Reduce Indoor Pollutants

Many of the contaminants that pass through your household air can end up settling in the various components of your HVAC system, such as your ductwork. With proper duct maintenance, however, you can reduce the presence of these contaminants in your home. With that in mind, here are five easy steps to help keep your ducts free of contamination:   Continue reading “Maintain Your Ducts And Keep Them Free Of Contaminants In Five Easy Steps” →

Have Your Ductwork Design And Installation Inspected For Better Efficiency

Posted on by tfobrien

Have Your Ductwork Design And Installation Inspected For Better EfficiencyLeaks and Gaps in Your Home’s Ductwork Will Waste Precious Energy

 

Problems in the ductwork design and installation in Long Island homes are one of the leading reasons they lose heat. Whether you are getting a new air system or you are not completely satisfied with your current system’s efficiency, getting your ductwork inspected can help you save money on energy bills.

Your ductwork is responsible for distributing conditioned air throughout your home. Up to 15 percent of air that you have already paid to condition can be lost before it ever reaches its destination.

Ductwork design and installation usually includes ductwork that is concealed within walls or floors, but they can also be installed in dropped ceilings or in room corners where they are hidden. It is inevitable that some air will escape; however, by avoiding installation in areas that do not need to be cooled, like the attic or basement, unnecessary air losses are prevented.

Duct supply configurations work to push conditioned air through your home and revolve around two different premises: trunk and branch or radial. Either type works well to supply air within a conditioned space, and their designs are intended to distribute a balanced supply of air throughout the home and increase efficiency.

There are two common duct return configurations that get efficient results:

  1. A return duct is installed within each room that directs air back to the heating and cooling systems.
  2. A central return grille on each floor of a home returns air.

Without a balanced air flow through supply and return ducts, your heating and cooling systems have to work harder and longer to comfortably condition the home.

An inspection by an HVAC professional will spot any problems and provide you with solutions to keep your air system efficient.   These may be as simple as keeping ducts closed in unused rooms or could entail insulating your ducts in the winter so your warm air doesn’t get cold.

If you have any other questions about the ductwork design and installation in your Long Island home, contact T.F. O’Brien Heating and Cooling today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).   For more information about ductwork and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area.  Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!

Duct Sealing Goes A Long Way

Posted on by tfobrien

Having Clean and Sealed Ductwork Improves HVAC Efficiency

 

Forced-air heating and cooling systems are useless without ductwork. After all, ducts distribute the heated and cooled air throughout your home. However, if your ducts are improperly sealed you could be losing much of that air through gaps and cracks. And that means your family is living in rooms that aren’t as comfortable as they could be. Continue reading “Duct Sealing Goes A Long Way” →

House Mold Prevention Basics

Posted on by tfobrien

Is Mold Abatement Your Next Plan of Action?

Household mold is a serious problem for homeowners in the Long Island area. Excess mold is a grave health concern and it can also damage your house and furnishings.To keep mold at bay, there are some simple things you can do before hose mold takes over: Continue reading “House Mold Prevention Basics” →

Sealing Air Ducts for Savings

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Air Ducts Can Leak Valuable Heat or Cool Air

You may have the newest, most energy efficient heating and air equipment, or maybe your system getting on in years but still performing well. Whichever is your situation, a sure way to get the most out of either is to check your air ducts.
Continue reading “Sealing Air Ducts for Savings” →

Airflow Issues? Maybe Your Air Returns are Lacking.

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Having an Effective Air Return Reduces HVAC Stress

If it seems that some of the rooms in your home are comfortable while others are too cool, too warm or stuffy, it could be your air returns.   Most homeowners don’t really think about the air ducts; as long as your HVAC system seems to be functioning, all is OK.   In reality, it could be that inadequate return air ducting is the reason your home isn’t quite as comfortable as you would like.

For the air in your home to feel consistent and comfortable in every room, it is necessary that stale air is drawn out of the room so that heated supply air can enter the room.   This is why it is desirable that air returns are placed in all major rooms, such as the living room, bedrooms and kitchen.

When return air ducts are located only in one or two rooms, the newly heated air coming in to your home has to force through the air in all of the rooms, making your HVAC system work harder.   This also means an inconsistency in temperatures throughout your home.

We know that you don’t give these details much thought; we simply want you to be aware that air returns are essential to your family’s comfort, and to your HVAC system working as efficiently as possible.

If your home is lacking in return air ducts, consider having more installed.   Avoid placing furniture over air returns, or blocking them with wall coverings or other items if located in the wall.   Also, consider having a professional check your return air ducts for air leaks and proper air flow.   You will save on energy costs, and your family will remain comfortable no matter what room they are in.

T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area.   We strive to educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).   You can find more information about air returns and other HVAC topics by downloading our free  Home Comfort Resource guide.

It May Sound Obvious, But Don’t Block Your Air Returns

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating
T.F. O’Brien can help ensure your
air ducts are getting proper circulation.
Call or click here:
516.488.1800

Most residential cooling and heating systems operate as closed-loop systems. In a closed-loop system, air returns play an essential role, and it is important not to block them.

Blocking a cool air return means a risk of freezing the air conditioner coils, causing a restriction of air flow. In short, blocking air returns means a lack of air circulation.  Energystar.gov recommends checking air returns for leaks; improperly sealed ducts impede air flow. For the same reason, it is important to allow air returns to breathe.

So where are air return ducts typically found? They are usually located on ceilings or in a hallway. In the southern U.S. where it remains warm for a large part of the year, air return ducts take warm air from inside the home and transfer it outside.

Many homes are improperly fitted with return air ducts or simply don’t have enough of them, making it essential that each existing air return works to its full potential.

Take care in designing your rooms to avoid blocking air returns. Place large pieces of furniture such as couches, chairs and love seats at least 10 inches from air ducts. If possible, avoid setting up cabinets, entertainment centers or pianos directly next to walls on which air ducts are present.

Taking these basic steps will ensure that your HVAC system does not overwork itself, potentially saving you from costly and untimely repairs.

T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about preventive maintenance and other HVAC topics, please download our free  Home Comfort Resource guide.
To learn more, just give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we will be happy to help.