{"id":951,"date":"2024-02-26T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peatsonsheatair.com\/blog\/?p=951"},"modified":"2024-03-01T11:17:41","modified_gmt":"2024-03-01T16:17:41","slug":"the-v-in-hvac-ventilation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peatsonsheatair.com\/blog\/indoor-air-quality-service\/the-v-in-hvac-ventilation\/","title":{"rendered":"The “V” in HVAC: Ventilation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Just about any homeowner who owns a heating and cooling system knows what HVAC stands for. You\u2019re probably thinking, \u201cOf course, it stands for heating and air conditioning.\u201d But do you know what the \u201cV\u201d stands for? If not, don\u2019t be too hard on yourself. Many people aren\u2019t aware that it stands for \u201cventilation.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, ignoring your home\u2019s ventilation is something you shouldn\u2019t do. Ventilation is a part of HVAC for good reason. Your home\u2019s ventilation system (its air ducts and ductwork) is the support system for your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner, and if it\u2019s not up to the task, your home comfort will suffer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can purchase a high-efficiency furnace or air conditioner, but investing in a costly system is only part of the equation. Many things affect how energy efficient your home is including the state of your ductwork and your home\u2019s insulation. Let\u2019s go over how problematic air ducts can contribute to decreased HVAC efficiency and the signs that this is happening in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Ductwork<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When your home was built, the ductwork was new and shiny and properly installed (ideally). But just like everything, ductwork is subject to wear and tear over time. Connections can become misaligned and thin metal ductwork can develop holes and tears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ductwork is so essential to the heating\/cooling process that it\u2019s been estimated that as much as 30% of the conditioned air your system produces is lost to holes and cracks in ductwork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about how much harder your HVAC system has to work when its support network (your ductwork) is losing 30% of the conditioned air the system generates. Your system has to work 30% harder than it should have to! We\u2019re guesstimating here, but that means it\u2019s running about 30% more frequently, it\u2019s using 30% more energy, and it’s driving up your energy bills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs That Your Home Needs Duct Repair or Replacement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you need ductwork repair<\/a> or replacement, the signs aren\u2019t always obvious. Be aware of these warning signs that your ventilation system could use some help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n