The Heat Is On, But Why Is My Home Still Chilly?

Could Your Ductwork Be the Culprit?

heater not working maine If your home is not as comfortable as you’d like in the winter, even if your heating system is running and the thermostat is set correctly, it may be that your home is leaking.

Did you know the U.S. Department of Energy found that leaky ductwork results in the loss of as much as 40% of the air moving through your home? That’s air that you’re paying to heat! What’s more, making up for the heat loss puts added strain on your system. Your ductwork carries the air heated by your furnace all over your home, distributing it through registers throughout your living space. It also returns air to your furnace to be heated through vents.

Here are some signs that indicate you may have problems with your ductwork:

Bigger Bills. When your ductwork is in bad condition, it makes your whole heating system run ineffectively and inefficiently. That will lead to higher heating costs.
Uneven Heating. If you notice some rooms that used to be comfortable are no longer warming up, a ductwork problem could be to blame.
More Dust. If you notice more dust than usual, or an increase in allergy problems, it may be a sign that your ductwork has small holes or cracks. Dust and other allergens can be sucked into your ductwork—and then blown into your living spaces through the registers.

Be sure to check with your HVAC service provider. They can run diagnostic tests to determine the problem, and clean and seal your ducts if necessary. Once your ductwork is sealed, you’ll be more comfortable, and you’ll see other immediate- and long-term benefits as well: lower heating bills thanks to improved efficiency; improved air quality; and more even temperatures throughout your home!

Regular furnace and boiler tune-ups are another important way to keep your equipment running at peak efficiency, which saves you money on energy costs. Whether you need a tune-up or an estimate on a new heating system altogether, PitStop Propane and Fuels is here to answer all your questions. Contact us today.