Though it often goes unseen, the ductwork in your business is a critical part of its construction. Your ducts are responsible for delivering fresh air throughout your workspace. Clean, comfortable air will make both employees and customers happier. Even the best ductwork installation won’t last forever. If you’re having issues with your ducts, it may be time for a replacement. Ask yourself these questions to determine whether you need to upgrade the ducts in your Rockledge, Florida, business:
How Old is Your Ductwork?
Ducts have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. If your ducts are more than a decade old, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement. If you’ve had your current ductwork for 15 years or more, you should plan for a new installation as soon as possible.
Over time, ducts will develop leaks and damage that make a replacement easier and more efficient than a repair. New ductwork can also help you improve indoor air quality by getting rid of years of buildup inside the ducts.
Are the Ducts Properly Sized?
An HVAC professional can inspect your ductwork and let you know if it’s the appropriate size for your building. If the ducts are too small, you won’t get enough airflow to properly manage temperatures and humidity. If the ducts are too large, you’ll lose air pressure and likely face hot and cold spots around the office. Properly sized ducts improve both comfort and efficiency, making them a smart investment.
Are You Losing Efficiency to Poor Design?
Your business should have an efficient ductwork design that was custom-made for the building. An experienced HVAC service technician can assess your duct installation and let you know if you’re using the optimum setup. Your ducts should have as few turns as possible so the air can travel unimpeded in a straight line.
If your ducts weren’t carefully designed for the needs of the building, consider investing in custom sheet metal fabrication. This allows you to enjoy optimum energy efficiency by using a product that was manufactured with your exact dimensions in mind.
Do Your Ducts Leak?
Leaky ductwork is a top cause of high energy bills. If your business’s utility expenses are on the rise but you haven’t made any major changes to your operation, the ducts could be to blame. Over time, ducts develop cracks. They can also come apart at the seams or collapse in certain places. While duct repairs are occasionally possible, you should have a professional assess the scope of the damage to determine whether a duct replacement is a more cost-effective solution.
Does the Business Have an Unpleasant Odor?
If there’s an undesirable odor permeating your workspace, you may need to look to your ducts for the cause. A musty smell can indicate a biological growth in the building. You may also have odors associated with a pest infestation or buildup of dust, pollen and dander in the ducts. Some companies may recommend a duct cleaning, but it’s important to verify the quality of these services.
Compare the investment required for a duct cleaning to an upgraded ductwork installation. Keep in mind that new ductwork will also offer better efficiency and comfort through an improved design and insulation.
Do You Battle Poor Indoor Air Quality?
Poor IAQ can lead to decreased productivity, lower job satisfaction and a greater number of sick days. Keep your employees healthy and comfortable with clean, fresh air. If your ducts clog with dust and debris, you’re likely inhaling some of these irritants. Many common indoor pollutants can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, watery eyes, itchy skin and other problems.
New ductwork is one way to eliminate that buildup of allergens and pollutants. If it’s not time for new ducts yet, consider IAQ installations like a ventilation or filtration system for your commercial HVAC system.
If it’s time to invest in upgraded ductwork, consider our Kool Duct air duct system, which offers high-performance pre-insulated ducts. Contact Merritt Island Air & Heat at (321) 392-6564 to learn more.
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