Like the other parts and components of your commercial HVAC system, ductwork plays a critical role in maintaining optimal indoor air quality and temperature control. This equipment requires regular attention to ensure a healthy and comfortable environment for your building’s occupants while reducing operational and energy costs.
In this month’s blog, we’ll discuss the signs of problems in your ductwork, the difference between metal and flexible ductwork, and the best way to prevent future issues with this equipment.
What Are The Signs Of Failing Commercial HVAC Ductwork?
Your ductwork may need attention if you’re experiencing any of the below issues in your commercial property:
- Uneven heating or cooling throughout the building
- Strange odours emanating from the air vents
- Excessive dust, debris, or condensation that has built up in and around the air vents
- Rattling or banging noises coming through the vents when the system is operating
- Inefficient airflow that has triggered a noticeable increase in energy costs
Many of these issues can be easily detected by visual inspection. For example, rattling or banging noises coming from the vents when the system is running may indicate loose or disconnected sections of ductwork. Condensation on exposed ducts can also indicate leaks, corrosion, or inadequate insulation.
However, there may be more serious issues deeper in the ductwork that are harder to see with the naked eye. One common example is improper equipment sizing or design, which can lead to inconsistent temperatures throughout the building, reduced airflow to certain areas, and higher energy consumption.
Lack of regular maintenance and cleaning can further exacerbate existing problems, leading to decreased indoor air quality and potential health risks for occupants.
In all cases, duct problems should only be diagnosed by licensed HVAC technicians with the skills, experience, and tools to get to the root of the problem. If the problem is severe enough, they may recommend replacing your existing ductwork with either metal or flexible ductwork or a combination of both.
Read More: Upgrading Your Commercial HVAC Equipment
What’s The Difference Between Metal And Flexible Ductwork?
Both types of commercial HVAC ductwork have the same function – to facilitate continuous airflow – but they are utilized in different ways.
Metal Ductwork
Also known as rigid ductwork, metal ductwork is widely used as the main component of trunk-and-branch commercial HVAC design. It’s generally made from sheet metal fabricated in a box or cylindrical shape to fit the required application and space. It offers long-lasting durability and reliable airflow throughout the commercial building.
Flexible Ductwork
As the name suggests, flexible ductwork can easily be bent to connect rigid ductwork to additional sections or components that are hard to reach. It’s also used to carry air to ceiling vents, the central chamber of the air handler, and system endpoints. Sometimes, the creases that make the material flexible can hamper airflow, so this type is less frequently used than rigid ductwork.
How To Keep Your Ductwork Performing Smoothly And Consistently
Chances are, you won’t know there’s a potential issue with your ductwork until it’s too late. A customized preventative HVAC maintenance program can be designed to include a regular ductwork inspection for signs of wear and tear, corrosion, or damage within the ducts. Your HVAC technician can then recommend cleaning, sealing, or repairing the problem to ensure your system performs efficiently, especially during peak periods.
Maintenance programs also include maintaining, cleaning, and repairing other parts and equipment of your commercial HVAC system, including rooftop units, water-cooled heat pumps, cooling towers, hot water boilers, circulating pumps, steam humidifiers, make-up air units, and much more. Regularly monitoring your system’s parts and components is another crucial part of these programs, ensuring that potential issues are caught and corrected early before they can develop into severe problems.
Perhaps best of all, a preventative HVAC maintenance program can help extend the life of your equipment and pay for itself over the long term in reduced repair and energy costs.
Read More: The Benefits Of Signing Up For A Preventative Maintenance Program
Save On Energy Bills With Expert Commercial HVAC Services In Toronto And Southern Ontario From Springbank Mechanical Systems
Since 1990, Springbank has provided professional, reliable commercial HVAC services to property managers in Toronto and Southern Ontario. When you’re ready to explore our energy-saving commercial HVAC solutions, we’d be happy to discuss how our team of experts will help you reach your goals.
Get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation discussion!
Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis,and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.