Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Ductwork’

Why Ductwork Repairs Will Save You Money

Wednesday, February 25th, 2015

You can’t see most of the ductwork in your home, and that unfortunately makes it easy to forget that it sometimes requires professional repairs. If you start to notice warning signs that you have damaged ducts, such as odd smells coming from the vents or a decrease in airflow, you must contact duct repair professionals right away to take care of the problem.

Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning has the experienced team to handle what work you need done to fix your home’s ductwork in Winnetka, IL. We have been in the business of handling home comfort needs for more than a hundred and ten years now, making us one of the best names to trust when it come to your home comfort needs.

The money savings from ductwork repair

Fixing broken and leaky ducts does more than ensure that your air conditioning and forced-air heating system distribute air properly around a home to maintain comfort. Duct repairs will also help you save money.

Ductwork is designed to have an airtight seal to prevent a loss of pressure inside the vents. If air pressure starts to drop inside the ventilation system because of gaps, holes, and breaks along the ducts, it will force the air conditioner and/or heater to work harder. This can lead to a large jump in energy bills, often increasing your costs to heat and cool your home by a third. Broken ducts will also allow in large amounts of contamination that will coat the duct walls and place extra resistance against airflow, another source of energy inefficiency. Once you have professional ductwork repairs done, you will see a substantial drop in your monthly power bills.

Ductwork repairs will also help you save money by lowering the number of repairs you will need for the heater and air conditioner and prolonging their service lives. The less stress a comfort system experiences, the less likely it will start to encounter malfunctions due to wear and tear, and the longer it will last. You don’t want to pay for unnecessary repairs for your heater and air conditioner, and you certainly don’t want to pay to replace a heater or AC years ahead of its time.

You deserve to have an HVAC system in your home that works its best so your family will enjoy comfort and high indoor air quality—and so you will enjoy lower bills. If you think that your ductwork needs professional repair work, don’t hesitate to call Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule the job. We provide high-quality repairs for ductwork in Winnetka, IL and throughout Chicagoland.

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How Custom Ductwork Makes a Difference

Thursday, February 5th, 2015

When your forced-air heating and air conditioning system runs into trouble, you may be surprised to learn that the actually heating and AC unit might not be at fault. Sometimes, when a furnace or air conditioning system struggles to perform as it should, or if you notice hot or cold spots around the house, it’s actually due to a problem with the ducts. Ductwork is quite prone to leaks and cracks or unwelcome heat transfer, all of which is often due to faulty installation.

Unfortunately, a large number of ducts suffer from problems because the ducts were never set up properly in the first place. If heat can easily move into or out of the ducts, or if air is not well-contained, your heating and AC system may run into any number of issues. For example, air from your home blows over a cool coil in order to condition your home. The warm air keeps this coil from freezing, so without enough airflow, a frozen coil may drip water into your unit and cause serious component damage.

When heating or cool air cannot make it to your home because of leaks or due to an ineffective duct design, then the system has to work much harder than it should, which means parts wear down well before their time. Many times, your technician will simply repair the damage without attempting to figure out whether the ducts could be at fault.

If you decide it’s time for new ductwork in order to eliminate frequent heating and AC problems, custom ductwork design makes all the difference. A true ductwork professional will do the very best to make sure that no leaks or cracks are present and that they are unlikely to appear in a short time. These technicians will thoroughly inspect your existing ductwork before deciding whether sealing, repair, or replacement is best.

During installation, the technician must make several decisions to make sure the ducts are in an efficient location. They usually try to place ducts in a conditioned space so that heat cannot easily transfer out in the winter or enter the ducts in the summer. They’ll use the right fittings, connectors, and sealants, and try to form the ducts with as few twists and turns as possible for the most efficient pathway for delivery.

At Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ve been around for a long time, so we’ve seen how poorly-designed ductwork can affect a home. Call us today and schedule an appointment with us for quality custom ductwork service in Lincolnwood, IL.

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What Is Aeroseal Duct Sealing?

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

The ductwork in a ventilation system must retain an airtight seal along its length or else it will cause a drop in air pressure from the heater and air conditioner. If your home experiences a decline in comfort due to low airflow from the vents, or if you notice a rise in heating and cooling costs for which you cannot account, the culprit may be a loss of integrity in the ductwork. Fixing leaking and damaged ducts requires indoor air quality specialists armed with the best technology—such as Aeroseal Sealant.

Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning has been in business for more than a century taking care of ductwork in Evanston, IL and throughout Chicagoland. We use Aeroseal to help provide the best service possible for when you need duct sealing.

How the Aeroseal Process Works to Repair Your Ducts

The Aeroseal process is different from most standard duct sealing methods, such as using mastic sealant or metallic tapes. Where other techniques approach the ducts from the outside, applying the sealant to the holes, Aeroseal uses an approach from the inside. This process is faster, more thorough, and can reach difficult to access ducts such as those in the attic or underneath flat roofs.

What happens during the Aeroseal process is that polymer particles are released into the ventilation system after the air inside the ducts is pressurized. The pressurized air escapes through any available opening, and the polymer particles are drawn toward these holes, where they adhere to them and build up until the leak is completely sealed. To make sure the process works, a computer monitors the internal pressure of the ducts until it detects that the leakage had been sealed. This will eliminate all leaks, including many you may not have known about.

Although Aeroseal is an efficient and effective method for duct sealing, not all ductwork or types of damage will benefit from it. The process works best for smaller leaks. If you have more extensive damage in your ventilation system, technicians will use hand-sealing with mastic or metallic tapes to take care of the problem. As long as you rely on experienced indoor air quality professionals for the work, you can rest assured that your ducts will receive the type of sealing they need.

Call Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning whenever you require repairs for your ductwork in Evanston, IL. We will determine the ideal method to seal up your ducts to protect your HVAC system and your quality heating and cooling.

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How Damage to Your Ductwork Affects Your Air Conditioner

Friday, April 25th, 2014

If you use a central air conditioning system to cool down your house during spring and summer, then ductwork plays a necessary part in its operation. It’s best not to think of the ducts as a separate unit away from the AC, but as an extension of it. Problems in your ductwork will become problems with your cooling and also with your air conditioner.

At Shavitz Heating & Air Conditioning, we both air conditioning and ductwork services, so we know exactly how the two operate together and the types of maintenance and repairs they need. When you have ductwork damage, such as corrosion, holes, or gaps, call us right away for repairs. Keeping your ductwork in Lincolnwood, IL in good shape is an important part of keeping your air conditioner in good shape throughout the warm season.

What Ductwork Damage Can Do to Your Air Conditioner

There are three key ways that damage to your ductwork affects your AC:

  • Reduction in cooling power: When breaks form along the tight air seal of ductwork, it lowers the air pressure inside and reduces the airflow to the vents. You’ll experience a drop in cooling power that won’t disappear until the damage is repaired.
  • Lowered efficiency: The loss of air pressure does more than damage the air conditioner’s cooling; it also forces it to work harder, and this puts extra stress on the system. Warm, humid air can also start to enter the ducts, making it more difficult for the AC to reach its target temperature without straining. This drop in energy efficiency will mean higher bills and possibly early repair needs.
  • Dust and dirt infiltration: Breaks along ducts usually open onto closed-in and dusty parts of your homes, like between walls and in crawlspaces. Dirt, dust, sawdust, and other debris will be drawn into the ducts, making them dirtier and also threatening to enter the air conditioner’s cabinet. This will cause extreme wear and tear on the components and could easily cause malfunctions.

How to Repair Your Ducts

The secret to repairing your ductwork is to call professionals to do it! It’s difficult to access your ducts on your own, and commercial duct tape is never an effective solution. You will need duct repair specialists to perform testing to find the damaged portions, and then seal any holes or breaks using mastic sealant or metallic tape.

Shavitz Heating & Air Conditioning started in business a hundred years ago, and we’re still around because of the quality of service we provide. To keep your ductwork intact and your air conditioning in Lincolnwood, IL running without a hitch, call our technicians today. We have 24-hour emergency service. Give us a call today to schedule your next service appointment.

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This is How Ductwork Should be Repaired

Tuesday, January 28th, 2014

Ductwork is a key part of your heating and cooling system, carrying conditioned air from a centralized unit throughout the corners of your home. When a breach arises in the ductwork, it can severely crimp your HVAC system’s ability to function. Here in Park Ridge, IL, ductwork can be fixed by trained professionals, which is a good reason not to attempt to fix any of it yourself. This is how ductwork should be repaired.

In the first place, you can’t simply fix any breaches with duct tape or other over-the-counter components. It sounds like a natural fit until you consider the stressors the tape will be under. Ductwork must handle extremes in temperature – hot and cold alike – which break down duct tape very quickly. The same thing happens for other types of sealant. All of that assumes that the layman understands how to reach the damage portion of the ducts to begin with: a situation that usually requires professional training.

Contrast that with a visit from an expert. If repairing the breach is required, he or she can use materials specific to the kind of ductwork you have, meaning that it can stand up to the rigors of your HVAC system. Furthermore if replacement is necessary, an expert can pinpoint the exact type of component you need and size if properly. He or she can then install it with the confidence that comes with years of experience, leaving your ductwork in the same shape it was before the breach.

Ductwork issues can be resolved by the Park Ridge, IL ductwork technicians at Shavitz Heating & Air Conditioning. We know how ductwork should be repaired and we have the trained expert to make sure it happens exactly the way it should. We’ve serviced the Chicagoland areas for over 100 years – four generations of dedicated care – and we pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, every time. If you’re having ductwork problems and need an expert to fix them, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re eager to show you what we can do!

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Why You Shouldn’t Use Duct Tape on Your Ductwork

Friday, January 10th, 2014

It seems like a natural fit; using duct tape to fix your ducts. The name alone suggests a natural fit, and duct tape is an extremely versatile tool that can be used in a wide variety of situations. Unfortunately, HVAC ductwork isn’t one of them. Duct systems experience a unique set of conditions which duct tape is completely unsuited for. Here in Glenview IL, ductwork problems should be resolved by professional ductwork service contractors. Trying to seal a leak or clean up dust with duct tape only wastes your time.

Here’s why you shouldn’t use duct tape on your ductwork.

Ducts depend on a clean seal to function. If leaks spring up, they will bring in non-conditioned air, which makes it harder to achieve the temperature your home requires. That means the HVAC system needs to expend more energy, costing you in monthly heating/cooling bills. Furthermore, leaky ducts may bring in dust from outside the system, then spread it throughout your home. That lowers the quality of your indoor air, as well as exacerbating allergies for family members who suffer from them.

All of which is a lengthy way of saying that when leaks arise, they need to be properly sealed. And duct tape simply can’t do the job effectively in this instance. A study by the University of Berkeley found that most forms of duct tape couldn’t last three months when sealing the breach in a duct, and some brands failed within a few days. They were the only kinds of sealants that didn’t work.

That’s why you need a professional service to seal your ducts, ensuring that they stay closed and don’t leave your system vulnerable to outside air. A good service knows what sealants to use with particular duct systems and how to make sure the leak is sealed for good. All of your duct and other indoor air quality service needs in Glenview can be handled by the experts at Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning, who know how to do the job properly. If you know why you shouldn’t use duct tape on your ductwork, the next step is to give us a call. We’ll make sure the issue gets handled right.

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Common Ductwork Problems from Bad Installation

Monday, December 16th, 2013

Your ducts serve to pipe air from your HVAC system throughout your house, and as such serve a vital function in keeping your home comfortable. Here in Skokie IL, ductwork is a part of many modern homes, and is often installed when the homes themselves are built. A bad contractor can create many future headaches if he doesn’t do a good job, however. Without proper installation, ductwork can be a drag on your HVAC system and end up costing you a great deal. Here are some common ductwork problems from bad insulation.

  • Leaks. Leaks form when the seals between sections of ducts are not installed properly, or when pressure on the side of the ducts results in a breach. They can pull air out of the ducts as it travels through your home, and/or pull in air from the outside, which reduces the effectiveness of your HVAC system. The leak will need to be sealed before the system can work again.
  • Crimps. Crimps come about when the installer tries to eel the duct through an awkward spot. A rushed job means that the ducts will suffer from reduced air flow, hampering the speed with which the HVAC system will do its job. This means that it will be forced to expend more energy, raising your monthly bills until the crimp is fixed and the duct placed in a more elegant position.
  • Lack of insulation. If a duct passes through a spot close to an uninsulated outside wall, or isn’t properly covered itself, it may warm or cool the surface at the exact wrong time of year. That will temper the heat or the coolness of the air inside the ducts, slowing the HVAC system’s ability to condition your air.

In Skokie, IL, ductwork repair can be conducted by the experts at Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning.

We deal with common ductwork problems from bad installation, and can not only address the issue, but lower the chances of it cropping up again. We also offer other indoor air quality services in Skokie, so pick up the phone and give us a call today; you’ll be glad that you did!

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Common Ductwork Repairs

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

You probably have ductwork in your home to allow your furnace or AC to channel air to different rooms. Problems inside your ducts will affect your entire HVAC system, and they need to have repairs as soon as possible. However, you shouldn’t attempt to access your ducts on your own to attempt to fix them: you will likely cause further damage. When your ducts need repairs, you should call in trained technicians to handle the work.

For your Winnetka, IL ductwork repairs, trust Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning.

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and Lifetime Workmanship Warranty on all the jobs that we do.

Common ductwork repairs we often perform include:

Sealing leaks

Homeowners often think that leaks in their ducts don’t need professional repair. After all, there is this wonderful miracle product called “duct tape” that can handle it! Well, duct tape isn’t for ducts (in fact, its original name was “duck tape,” which it likely earned because of its water resistant properties) and laboratory tests have shown duct tape won’t hold up as a repair for breaks and leaks in ductwork. Professionals use special metallic tape and resin-based sealants to stop up places in your ducts where you will lose air pressure and reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency.

Replacing worn insulation

Ducts need to remain sealed systems so that they won’t lose air pressure. An important part of keeping them sealed is insulation. This prevents heat from entering the ducts during the cooling season and heat from escaping them during the heating season. Ducts that lose insulation from age or water damage will lose their effectiveness, whether they’re bringing you hot or cold air.

Mold remediation

The dark recesses of ducts are ideal spots for mold and other micro-bacteria to grow. This poses a danger to your air quality, and is difficult to remove with standard cleaning. Fortunately, modern technology offers a solution: UV germicidal lights. These lamps project ultraviolet light that destroys the structure of the cells of micro-bacteria, killing them as well as discouraging their return.

For over a hundred years and four generations, Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning has delivered Chicagoland quality home comfort service. Who better can you trust with your repairs then a company with a century of experience? Contact Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning today when you need repairs on your ductwork or any other HVAC services in Winnetka, IL.

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Is Metal Ductwork Better Than Flexible Ductwork?

Friday, August 30th, 2013

The air conditioning and heating systems that allow us to control our indoor climate are incredibly vital to the present and future comfort of our homes. While the range of system types and brands on the market today seems daunting, if not overwhelming, you must begin by finding an HVAC contractor you can trust to get the job done right. If you’re in the market for a new forced-air distribution system, you need to make sure that your ductwork is just as good as the rest of the system. There’s simply no substitution for the quality craftsmanship of a trained and experienced ductwork professional in Northbrook, IL. Let Shavitz take care of your duct installation or replacement. We will make the entire process run smoothly. Call us today.

There are two basic types of ductwork to keep in mind when deciding upon your new system: rigid sheet metal and flexible ductwork. Each has its advantages.

  • Sheet metal. One of the major advantages of sheet metal ductwork is its staying power. Because of what it’s made out of, it tends to last a long time, especially when it is properly cared for. As a rigid material, your sheet metal ductwork needs to have adequate space. Your ducts will need to be appropriately sized in order to match the heating and cooling system. That way, you can be sure to have excellent performance and energy efficiency.
  • Flexible. Flexible ducts are made out of corrugated plastic, often wrapped in insulation. While they tend not to last as long as sheet metal, they are very cost-effective. Their shape and size also allows them to be installed in locations that would not accept full-sized sheet metal ductwork.

While sheet metal ductwork tends to be a better long-term choice, flexible ductwork has the advantage of relatively low upfront cost and versatility. It all depends on the unique needs of your home and your budget. At Shavitz, our friendly technicians can make sure that your Northbrook, IL home has excellent ductwork so that you and your family remains comfortable year-round. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

 

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What Types of Ductwork Are There?

Thursday, August 22nd, 2013

Are you in the market for a new HVAC system? Are your ducts no longer effective? Whether you’re looking to replace your existing ductwork or you need a comprehensive ductwork system for your new home’s central air or gas furnace, you need to ensure that your ductwork perfectly compliments the other components of your AC and heater. As with many things these days, there is no shortage of ductwork operation available to residential consumers these days. But making the decision does not have to be a daunting prospect–you don’t have to make it alone.

Let Shavitz take care of your ductwork needs in Skokie, IL, whether its duct installation or replacement. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

There are two major types of ductwork that are common in residential homes: flexible and sheet metal.

  • Flexible ductwork. Flexible ducts are often utilized in spaces where hard and rigid ductwork would be difficult or even impossible. They are typically comprised of durable plastic material and often surrounded by an insulation. Such ducts are versatile but they need to be installed correctly because they can be difficult to seal if improperly installed.
  • Sheet metal ductwork. This type of ductwork comes in either rectangular or cylindrical lengths, and can be highly effective and efficient. Anything made out of metal is also highly durable and reliable. Galvanized steel ducts are often wrapped with insulation on the outside.

You also need to make sure that your ducts are properly insulated, especially if they run outside the space of conditioned air. Over time, your ductwork is subject to various temperature and pressure fluctuations, and they may need to be routinely serviced in order to function properly. Cracks, leaks, loose connections, and debris accumulation can also severely impact your HVAC system’s ability to perform as it should. If you notice any issues with your ductwork, you should not hesitate to get in touch with a professional technician sooner than later.

At Shavitz, we can take care of your Skokie, IL ductwork service needs quickly and effectively. We provide comprehensive installation and replacement so make sure to get in touch with us wen you’re ready to get started on your new ductwork.

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