At Trio Heating & Air, we realize there’s much to know about duct cleaning; it can even help manage your energy costs. Our team cleans air ducts and provides other air quality services in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area. The cleaning methods we use are safe, non-toxic, and effective. They reduce the amount of energy your HVAC system uses in several ways and can also increase its lifespan.

How Does Duct Cleaning Work?

Having your air ducts cleaned professionally provides a means of source removal. Instead of filtering dust, dirt, or debris, it physically removes contaminants using advanced vacuum equipment that puts the system under negative pressure. Compressed air nozzles, brushes, and air whips help loosen and remove debris from inside ducts. Once these materials are broken free, they are pulled into the vacuum system.

How Duct Cleaning Reduces Energy Consumption

To understand how cleaning ductwork can control energy usage, let’s look at the potential impacts of neglecting dirty ducts. Dirt accumulation and other contamination can cause the following issues in your home:

• Reduced airflow in your HVAC system.
• Strain on your AC or heater as it tries to compensate.
• Uneven heating and cooling throughout your home.
• Increased wear and tear on HVAC equipment.
• A decrease in energy efficiency.

Air ducts play a significant role in how your HVAC system regulates indoor temperature. Any issue that causes your heating and cooling system to work harder contributes to increased energy consumption. Various issues can cause your energy bill to go up unexpectedly. But duct cleaning can manage your energy costs in the following ways:

Smoother Airflow

A thin coating of dust, pollen, grime, debris, or mold can disrupt the flow of air in ducts. You don’t need a full blockage to cause problems. Increased friction causes your HVAC system to work harder to deliver enough air at the right temperature to different rooms. Duct cleaning removes the materials that cause airflow issues, improving system efficiency and reducing energy costs.

Duct Leaks Can Be Sealed

While cleaning ductwork, a technician can perform an inspection to find duct leaks. These can come from cracks, tears, and loose connections. Sealing these leaks reduces air leakage, which can waste a substantial amount of energy. Depending on the size and number of leaks, 30% or more of the conditioned air can escape into the attic, crawl space, or other unconditioned parts of your home, causing your energy bill to spike.

Improved HVAC System Efficiency

If your ducts are dirty, HVAC components can become dirty, too. Debris can build up on coils, insulating them and impeding heat transfer. All the components of your heating and cooling system are interconnected, so if one's performance is hindered, the system works less efficiently. Therefore, by removing debris, duct cleaning improves efficiency because your HVAC system can run more smoothly.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

A duct cleaning service can improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Better IAQ means fewer pollutants to reduce your HVAC unit’s efficiency. It also contributes to a healthier living space. The same pollutants that coat air ducts—dust, allergens, mold, etc.—can circulate in the air and cause allergies or illness. That’s one more reason to schedule a duct cleaning and find ways to control energy costs.

Increased HVAC System Lifespan

Keeping energy costs down requires improving HVAC system efficiency. When efficiency is improved via duct cleaning and other forms of maintenance, you can reduce wear and tear on the system. This means well-maintained components are less likely to malfunction and break down. The need for premature replacement is also less likely if you schedule regular maintenance (this can include cleaning and sanitizing air ducts).

When to Schedule a Duct Cleaning

The guidelines for cleaning air ducts aren’t as tight as for scheduling annual HVAC maintenance. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea for a technician to inspect ductwork once a year. It allows them to determine if dust and debris are accumulating. More comprehensive cleanings are recommended every three to five years by professionals and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

However, you may want to consider more frequent duct cleanings or schedule one sooner rather than later in the following circumstances:

• You have pets or live in a high-pollen area.
• Members of your family experience increased allergy symptoms or respiratory issues. 
• A significant buildup of dust and debris.
• There are signs of mold or other contamination.
• A home construction or renovation project was just completed.

Contact Trio Heating & Air

If you live in Santa Clara County or San Mateo County, you can rely on our licensed technicians to keep your air ducts in peak shape. Trio Heating & Air provides high-quality duct cleaning and other indoor air quality services using the latest tools and technology. We also install whole-home air purification systems. Contact us today to learn more or request an appointment.

Indoor air testing is generally not recommended on a schedule, like routine HVAC maintenance, but it’s a good idea in many circumstances. That’s because indoor air quality (IAQ) is a greater concern than most homeowners realize. People spend up to 90% of their time indoors and pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be highly concentrated. In other words, IAQ can be worse than outdoor air quality.

We recommend IAQ testing for many reasons. The indoor air quality in your home can impact you in several ways, some of which include:

• Health: Exposure to carbon monoxide can be deadly, while dust and other particles can exacerbate allergies and asthma. Mold, VOCs, and some chemicals can trigger illness or long-term health issues.
• Reduced Comfort: If your home has poor indoor air quality, you may be uncomfortable, especially if high humidity, unpleasant odors, and irritating particles or chemicals are present.
• Limited Productivity: Headaches, fatigue, sneezing, coughing, eye irritation, and other symptoms of poor IAQ can affect concentration. A lack of sleep can also reduce productivity.

When Is It Time to Schedule IAQ Testing?

As noted earlier, indoor air testing doesn’t have to be on a schedule. There’s no right or wrong time for it. However, there’s no harm in having your local HVAC contractor test your indoor air quality once a year. That’s up to you. Nevertheless, signs IAQ testing is necessary include the following:

Increased Allergy Symptoms at Home

Allergies don’t only come from dust and pollen. Compounds released by wood flooring, furniture, paint, cleaning products, and other household materials and items can have health effects. The following signs should raise suspicion you have an IAQ problem and should schedule indoor air testing:

• Frequent allergy/asthma attacks while at home.
• Allergy symptoms are present or more prevalent while in your house.
• Your symptoms go away when you leave.

Frequent Colds and Respiratory Problems

A chronic cough, frequent sneezing, a dry throat, or congestion can be caused by indoor air pollutants. These issues may not only be irritating. They can lead to more serious problems if the root cause isn’t addressed. Asthma and lung disease can develop. Therefore, if you or anyone in your household has persistent or recurring colds or respiratory illnesses, consider scheduling IAQ testing in your home. 

Unpleasant Odors Become More Persistent

Your HVAC system should do a good job of filtering out odors. If you often notice musty smells, you may have mold. Other odors that can indicate an IAQ issue include cooking oil, cigarette smoke, gas odors, and chemical-like smells. Chemicals from pesticides and personal care products can pollute indoor air. 

Some compounds can produce toxic fumes that can be irritating and harmful if breathed in. Other odors can indicate issues, such as a malfunctioning heater, that can release toxins you can’t smell, such as carbon monoxide. Therefore, don’t take the presence of odors lightly; they can indicate a serious indoor air quality problem.

You Have Difficulty Sleeping

High levels of pollution can lead to poor sleep quality. If pollutants are heavily concentrated and the temperature is inconsistent, breathing difficulties can occur during sleep. This can affect your alertness and productivity during the day. It can also lead to sleep apnea, low blood oxygen levels in the brain, and other problems. Over time, cardiovascular disease can develop. If improving ventilation or filtration doesn’t relieve your symptoms, consider having your air quality checked.

Indoor Humidity Is Higher than Usual

You may not think of humid air as being polluted. However, high humidity can be an indoor air quality issue. It can allow mold to grow, make you feel more uncomfortable, and damage sensitive materials and furnishings. Even low humidity can cause damage and health concerns ranging from dry skin to respiratory infections. An air quality test can help determine the source of the problem and identify a solution.

You’re Welcoming a New Baby to Your Home

Indoor air testing should be a priority if you’re preparing to bring a new baby home. Babies have sensitive lungs, so they are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Their immune systems also aren’t fully developed. Therefore, organic and non-organic contaminants can threaten their health and development. An IAQ test can identify harmful culprits you can target, so your home is a healthy environment for your baby.

After a Construction or Renovation Project

Construction activities, no matter what preventive measures are taken, release a lot of dust and debris. Toxic chemicals can be released into the air from various materials and processes. Whether your home was recently constructed, one is being built nearby, or your house was just renovated, professional IAQ testing is a good idea. It can identify pollutants so your HVAC contractor can provide cleaning or filtration solutions as necessary.

Inspecting a New House Before Purchase 

We strongly recommend having the IAQ tested before you move into a new home. Older homes can have asbestos and other outdated/banned materials, or issues such as radon may have gone unchecked. Even newer properties can have air quality concerns, as harsh pollutants are found in many construction materials. A professional can clean out the air or install an air filtration or purification system to address any issues.

What Happens During Indoor Air Testing?

When performing IAQ testing, a contractor sets up specialized equipment. The type of devices used depends on the pollutants they’re testing for. Different tests are available to check for VOCs, mold, or carbon monoxide. Radon, a gas found underground that can have long-term health effects, can require several months of testing to accurately detect. A technician may also evaluate humidity levels and your home’s ventilation. 

A detailed report is provided after testing is complete. It explains what was found and may also include recommendations. These can include common IAQ solutions like humidifiers/dehumidifiers, ventilation improvements, and whole-home air purification systems.

Contact Trio Heating & Air

At Trio Heating & Air, our licensed technicians perform IAQ testing and inspections to find airborne contaminants in your home. Thorough evaluations allow us to identify specific pollutants and recommend air quality solutions. These include whole-house air purifiers, air scrubbers, or air duct cleaning or sealing. To get started, call (415) 532-2984 and schedule your indoor air testing appointment.

If you’ve ever needed a heating repair, you probably know the surprise of seeing the cost of a repair bill. The average cost of heating repair in Sunnyvale is $612 (in 2024 dollars), according to Manta. Meanwhile, Forbes puts average furnace repair costs at up to $300. Repair prices can vary considerably based on many factors and sometimes exceed $1,000. This variability can mean the difference between a reasonable price and one that’s costly enough to consider a heating replacement.

The cost of heating repair in Sunnyvale is determined by many variables. Here’s a look at some of them to help you make an informed decision and understand whether a repair is worth it.

The Heater Part(s) You Need

What makes repairs among the costliest heating services in Sunnyvale is the cost of parts. Replacing an ignitor may cost less than $250, while a gas valve can cost just $75 to fix (replacing one can cost up to $600). If a draft inducer motor, heat exchanger, or blower motor can be repaired, this can cost a few hundred dollars, but if such a component must be replaced, expect to spend a lot more. A heat exchanger can cost $1,500 to replace, but a blower motor can cost as much as $2,000.

Other common replacement parts include thermostats, control boards, and air filters. Any heater part can be of a certain type for your specific furnace. There are also many parts brands. Therefore, the cost of parts varies significantly.

However, parts aren’t the only consideration when determining repair costs. After all, the technician must make a profit from the services they provide.

Complexity of the Repair Job

A simple repair job requires much less time and effort. However, if the repair entails more extensive work, more time to reach difficult-to-access equipment and parts, and more effort overall, a heating contractor will charge more. Some issues are more challenging to troubleshoot while replacing larger components is generally more complex than, for example, changing a fuse or thermostat. 

Size of Your Heating System

The larger your heating system and the greater its capacity, the higher repair expenses may be. Larger systems have more parts. Servicing them can also be more time-consuming. Parts for a larger heating system tend to be more expensive too, as they tend to be larger and the repair process tends to be more complex. 

Labor and Service Costs

An HVAC contractor may charge up to $150 per hour for labor. The cost of labor can add hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, to your repair bill. It can vary from company to company and is based on several factors, including the following: 

• Location: In general, labor costs are more expensive in areas with a higher cost of living.
• Type of System: Gas, electric, and other heating systems have specific repair requirements and challenges.
• The Service Needed: Contractors may set different rates for heating repairs in Sunnyvale based on the severity of the problem and the complexity of the repair. A flat fee may be charged for specific services.
• Urgency: An HVAC company may charge two or three times more for labor if you need them overnight, on a weekend, or during a holiday.
• Experience: A heating contractor with decades of experience typically charges more than one with less experience in the field. 
• Time of Year: Heating repair in Sunnyvale tends to be less expensive in the off-season than during the cooler months when parts and labor typically cost more.

Tools and Materials

The nature of the repair job may determine the tools a contractor must use. The cost of obtaining and maintaining these tools, which may include those to take measurements, disassemble equipment, and modify your heating system, must be considered. Materials used, from fasteners to insulation, all come at a cost contractors must include in the price of service.

Building Codes

Depending on where you live, building codes may specify what materials must be used and provide other guidelines for heating repairs. A permit may be required for certain projects. Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal troubles, and other costly penalties. Therefore, following all relevant codes can help manage heating repair costs.

How Well the System Is Maintained

A well-maintained heating system usually requires fewer repairs and is less likely to develop major problems. However, a lack of maintenance can lead to more extensive damage due to unresolved issues. Therefore, filter replacements, cleaning components, and correcting minor issues save you money. By skipping annual service, you can also void the warranty, which means you pay the full cost of a heating repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Replace My Heater Instead?

The cost of heating repair in Sunnyvale may be too high, and heating replacement may be more affordable, in any of the following situations:

• Multiplying the age of the unit by the repair cost exceeds $5,000.
• The unit is over 15 years old and repairing it costs over 50% of replacing it.
• A licensed professional recommends replacing your heater based on a thorough evaluation.

How Can I Save Money on a Heating Repair?

Regular maintenance can help avoid some heating repairs and save money when a repair is needed. Also, pay attention to how your furnace operates. If there are changes, request service as soon as possible. Proper care for your heater helps keep the warranty valid so the cost of repairs is covered. You can also save by getting quotes from multiple contractors and comparing their prices, services, and reputations.

At What Point Does Heating Repair Not Make Sense?

Consider replacing your heater if it’s 15 to 20 years old. Regular maintenance can help it last that long and ensure repairs are cost-effective up until then. Repairing an old furnace that’s no longer efficient will lead to more expenses, not to mention reduced comfort and, ultimately, a complete heating system breakdown.

Schedule Heating Repair in Sunnyvale Today

Trio Heating & Air is known for professional and reliable heating repair services in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Whether your heating system develops issues or breaks down, our licensed technicians can quickly diagnose and fix the problem. They can handle issues of any size or scope. Plus, they’re skilled in providing maintenance, replacement, and other heating services.

Call (415) 226-4257 to schedule heating repair in Sunnyvale or other HVAC services in the Bay Area.

Aside from an annual tune-up, the HVAC professionals at Trio Heating & Air recommend various DIY heating maintenance steps. Heating accounts for a significant portion of your home utility costs. Therefore, it’s important to keep your heater in top shape. You don’t need to be a heating service contractor or have one with you at all times; the following heating maintenance tips ensure your furnace is safe to operate, keeps your home warm, and runs at peak efficiency:

Replace or Clean the Air Filter

Clear Any Clutter Around Your Furnace

Vacuum the Supply and Return Vents

Check that the Burner Flame Is Blue

Adjust the Dampers Seasonally

Replace the Batteries on Your Thermostat and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Check for Vent or Chimney Blockages

Clean Your Whole-House Humidifier

1. Replace or Clean the Air Filter

Replacing or cleaning the air filter is one of the easiest heating maintenance tasks. Check the owner’s manual for its location, how to access it, and what type and size you need. The correct size may be labeled on the filter. Or, you can measure it to find one with the same dimensions. Also, make sure the filter’s efficiency rating is compatible with your heating system.

Remember to replace the main air filter and any filters in the air intake or blower. Generally, filters should be cleaned or replaced every one to three months. However, this depends on their type and quality and heater usage. A clean filter can improve your furnace’s efficiency and increase its lifespan.

2. Clear Any Clutter Around Your Furnace

The area surrounding your furnace should be clear. Storage boxes, containers, cleaning supplies, tools, toys, and other belongings can restrict airflow and make it harder to access your heating system. Cleaning the clutter helps a technician more easily service the unit and its components. It can also help your furnace work more efficiently.

3. Vacuum the Supply and Return Vents

Registers and vents move a lot of air and can collect dust in the process. If not cleaned, they can become blocked, restricting airflow. A lack of airflow can cause reduced heat production, uneven heating, or less air to get to your furnace, which can cause it to perform less effectively. Increased strain can also damage your heating system. 

To avoid trouble, regularly check supply and return vents for dust and blockages. Dust can be brushed or vacuumed away. If any furniture, boxes, cabinets, or toys are blocking vents, move these items to another location so air can flow freely.

4. Check that the Burner Flame Is Blue

The burner flame may be visible through a small glass window or you may have to turn off the furnace and open the cover. The burner flame, or flames, depending on your furnace, should be a vibrant blue hue. A yellow or orange flame is a sign of a combustion problem. It can also mean your heater is leaking carbon monoxide.

Do not attempt to clean, adjust, or repair furnace burners yourself. Contact a professional who’s equipped to safely repair the unit, avoid hazards, and prevent further issues.

5. Adjust the Dampers Seasonally

If the same ductwork serves your heating and cooling systems, it may have dampers. These should be adjusted for each season. This way, the damper on the supply trunk can allow more warm air to lower levels in winter and more cold air upstairs in the warmer months. 

To adjust the dampers, follow the markers on them, the duct walls, or a nearby control. The proper adjustments improve heating system efficiency and avoid performance issues.

6. Replace the Batteries on Your Thermostat and Carbon Monoxide Detector

If it’s battery-operated, a thermostat won’t work properly if its power source is drained. Your heating system can also malfunction. Changing the batteries once a year can prevent issues. The carbon monoxide detector’s batteries should also be changed. While this won’t affect furnace performance, it’ll alert you of a toxic gas leak caused by a potential furnace problem.

7. Check for Vent or Chimney Blockages

The chimney flue vents toxic gases produced during the combustion process. Holes, gaps, or blockages can prevent carbon dioxide and other gases from exiting your home. Check the connection between the flue and furnace for damage and outside vents where vegetation, animal nests, snow, and debris can cause blockages. Clearing debris can avoid indoor air quality and furnace performance issues.

8. Clean Your Whole-House Humidifier

If your HVAC system has a whole-house humidifier, it must be properly maintained. First, determine what type of humidifier you have. The two types often used in homes include the following:

• Evaporative Humidifier: An evaporative humidifier has a pad that soaks up water; this pad must be replaced at least once a year. After you remove the old pad, wipe the interior of the humidifier cabinet to ensure it’s dry, and use a vinegar solution to remove dirt and mineral deposits from the water supply and drain lines.
• Steam Humidifier: A steam humidifier boils water to increase indoor humidity. To maintain it, turn off the humidifier and wait for it to complete a drain cycle. Remove the overflow pan and tank; clean them with a vinegar solution. Then remove the O-ring from the tank and clean the orifice. The O-ring should be replaced if it’s worn or damaged.

Heating Maintenance Tasks You Should Not Do Yourself

Do not perform any task that requires accessing the interior of your furnace. You risk causing damage to sensitive components. For example, many DIY help guides explain how to clean the combustion chamber, burners, flame sensors, blower, etc. These should always be free of buildup. However, only a well-trained, properly equipped professional should attempt to clean them.

Also, call an HVAC company if you notice issues such as a cracked heat exchanger, corroded parts, excessive soot, irregular flames, short cycling, a leak, or unusual odors.

Contact Trio Heating & Air

When you need a furnace tune-up, we provide high-quality work and can service any brand or model. Customers in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area rely on us to keep their heating systems in top shape. Our technicians are professionally trained, knowledgeable, and courteous while being committed to ensuring your home is safe and comfortable. To schedule heating maintenance, book your appointment or call (415) 226-4125 today.

Installing the right attic insulation and air-sealing your home improves comfort and energy efficiency, but insulation thickness plays a role. It corresponds with a material’s R-value or ability to re-heat flow. Your climate and home’s age also determine the best type and thickness of insulation Heating & Air, specializes in installing attic insulation and will share our expertise to help you make informed decisions.

Insulation Thickness vs. R-Value

The Greater San Francisco Bay Area lies mainly in Climate Zone 3. An uninsulated attic should have R30 to R60 insulation. If you have an existing layer of insulation of 3 to 4 inches, any additional material should be rated R25 to R38.

Here’s a more general look at insulation thickness and R-value.

• 4 to 5 Inches: Is rated R-15 and found mainly in poorly insulated and older homes.
• 6 to 7 Inches: Is rated R-21 and considered inadequate, even in a filled joist.
• 13 to 14 Inches: Is rated R-38 and suited for most southern locations.
• 16 to 18 Inches: Is rated R-49 and suited for most northern climates.

You can also use the thickness of existing insulation to determine how much to add. For example, if your attic insulation is 9 inches deep (R26) and you want to increase it to R38, which is 12.75 inches thick, you must add 3.75 inches of insulation. Professionals use more precise calculations so consider hiring a contractor to achieve optimal efficiency.

Calculating the R-Value of an Insulating Material

Every material in a house has an R-value. An inch of solid wood has an R-value of 1. An inch of blown fiberglass insulation is rated 3.1 to 3.4. To determine a material’s total R-value, use the following formulas:

• Fiberglass Batts: Multiply the depth of the material by 3.2.
• Vermiculite/Perlite Granules: Multiply the depth by 2.7.
• Cellulose Fibers: Multiply the depth by 3.7.
• Rock Wool: Multiply the depth by 2.8.
• Loose Fiberglass: Multiply the depth by 2.5.

How to Know You Need More Attic Insulation

Whether you need more insulation in your attic depends on the following:

• Your Location: You’ll need thicker, higher R-value insulation if you live in the Northeast or Rockies than in most parts of California. 
• Age of Your Home: Homes that are over 10 years old usually need more insulation. Your home may need to be retrofitted with mineral wool or fiberglass insulation.
• Your Attic Is Well-Insulated: If the insulation is thick enough to hide the floor joists, you probably don’t need more. However, if it’s level with or just below the floor joists, consider adding more insulation.
• Insulation Is Evenly Distributed: Low spots in the insulation can lead to efficiency issues. If your attic insulation is thicker in the middle and there’s less near the eaves, it should be improved.

To check the depth of your attic insulation, first find your attic access. This is often a drop-down ladder or a hole in the ceiling where you need to use a ladder to gain access, while other homes have an access point in a closet. Next, determine your insulation type (fiberglass is often pink, yellow, or white, cellulose often consists of small gray flat pieces, and rock wool tends to be gray or near white with black specs).

Now, you can directly measure your insulation. Use a ruler or tape measure in different spots. Then, average the measurements you get to determine the insulating material’s overall depth and R-value.

A Word on Adding Insulation

Insulation can be added to existing materials. If you have fiberglass batt or blanket insulation, you can put loose fill on top of it. Batts and blankets can also be installed above loose fill if any paper or foil backing has been removed. Adding insulation can be tricky depending on the material. For example, loose fill requires using a blowing machine. Unless you’re handy with this type of equipment, it’s best to hire a professional.

Contact Trio Heating & Air

If you live in Santa Clara County or San Mateo County, we can install attic insulation in your home. We often install fiberglass or cellulose insulation in different forms, including blown-in or rolled, and remove and replace old insulation when necessary. A thorough inspection allows our technicians to determine the best approach to improving energy efficiency so you save money over time. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and insulation installation services in your home.

Like many people, you probably don’t think of air duct sealing and the hazards it can avoid when scheduling HVAC maintenance. Properly sealed ducts ensure your heating and cooling system works properly and increases efficiency. Duct sealing also has safety implications. Several hazards can be encountered if you have leaky ducts. As The Greater San Francisco Bay Area’s leading air sealing specialists, we’ll explain the top safety concerns of poorly sealed ducts.

Schedule Air Duct Sealing with Trio Heating & Air

Backdrafts

Poor Air Quality

Health Issues

Pests

Moisture Damage

Mold

Discomfort

1. Backdrafts

Furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, and other gas-using appliances normally vent noxious gases out of your home. However, gases like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide can enter poorly sealed air ducts and “backdraft” into your home. Breathing these in can get you very sick or be deadly. Therefore, air duct sealing can save your life.

2. Poor Air Quality

Aside from toxic and combustible gases, poorly sealed ducts can allow various other pollutants into your home that reduce indoor air quality (IAQ). These include dust, particles from deteriorating insulation, and fumes from cleaning chemicals. You’ll breathe these in all day and while you sleep. A local HVAC contractor should test for them and other indoor air pollutants before and after sealing your air ducts to ensure any underlying issues are resolved.

3. Health Issues

Poor IAQ, which can result from leaky ducts, may impact your health significantly. The symptoms persist as long as your air is contaminated and are most prevalent while you’re at home. You and anyone in your household can get very sick if nothing is done about it. Therefore, consider air duct sealing whenever you experience the following symptoms:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Coughing and sneezing
• Sinus congestion
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue

4. Pests

The tiniest air duct leak is enough for roaches, ants, spiders, and other bugs to get into your home. Rodents and other small animals can also get through holes, gaps, and tears in ductwork. Pests aren’t only something you don’t want to see. They can also cause harm to your health and home. Fortunately, well-sealed ducts can prevent them from getting inside.

5. Moisture Damage

Air duct sealing can protect your valuables. If your ductwork leaks, indoor humidity can become out of control, leading to moisture damage to wood furniture, flooring, antiques, and everything from books to appliances.  Drywall and other building materials can also be damaged. Moisture issues combined with other problems related to poorly sealed ducts can impact your home’s infrastructure and reduce its long-term value.

6. Mold

The presence of moisture increases the risk of mold growth. Mold can grow in the dark confines of air ducts and spread uncontrolled while releasing spores into the air. Since many types of mold are toxic, it’s important to address the issue quickly. 

To make matters worse, the moisture entering air ducts will reach conditioned spaces. This provides mold with the right environment to continue growing and spreading. It can grow on walls, ceilings, furniture, carpets, and just about any surface if there’s enough moisture.

7. Discomfort

Significant air duct leaks can allow outside air in or let conditioned air escape. When either of these issues happens, your HVAC system must work harder. But no matter how overworked it becomes, heating or cooling your home is more difficult. 

Poorly sealed ducts can leave your family too warm or too cool. Setting and resetting the thermostat does not help, and you end up being uncomfortable all the time. This makes it hard to be productive, enjoy your home, or even sleep.

Can Air Duct Sealing Present Hazards?

Sealing air ducts is safe when done by a professional. Consider hiring a contractor when your HVAC system is installed, you move into a new house with an older HVAC system, or when maintenance is scheduled. They have the knowledge and tools to work safely and seal your air ducts properly.

The risks mostly pertain to DIY air duct sealing. Trying to save on the costs of hiring a professional can do more harm than good and lead to more expenses. If your ducts are insufficiently sealed, air leaks can still occur. Improper sealing can also cause harmful chemicals to be released into your home, especially if you have little knowledge of sealant materials.

You also risk causing damage to ductwork, creating air pressure imbalances, and triggering issues with home heating and cooling.

Schedule Air Duct Sealing with Trio Heating & Air

We provide air sealing by highly-trained technicians. When servicing your ductwork, they perform a thorough inspection and seal leak spots with a special HVAC sealant tape and heat-resistant silicone. Our customers in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties also rely on us for indoor air quality services, including whole-house air purifier installation. To learn more or request air duct sealing or IAQ services, call (415) 532-2984 today.