Duct Work Troubleshooting Tips for common issues
The following are some simple troubleshooting measure any homeowner can read to help determine if they have any issues that may need further attention.
First off you will need to replace your air filters and make sure all supply registers are open throughout the home. This will ensure that your are operating at maximum air flow rates for your system design.
Turn on the blower, normally this can be accomplished by switching the fan on alone at the thermostat. Or you can turn off the power at the air conditioner and adjust your thermostat to call for cooling, either option will run the blower at high speed if the furnace or air handler is set up properly at the furnace or air handler.
If you find that your supply registers whistle or have noisy air flow throughout the home then this is a possible indication that the supply duct work is sized too small or there are not enough supply registers. for your system. Simple calculations from a qualified HVAC contractor can make the final determination.
If you find that your supply registers whistle or have noisy air flow only in a few areas in the home then this is a possible indication that the supply duct work may have some sort of blockage if the general areas are common to one are of the home but not necessarily near the furnace or air handler. Inspect the duct work for kinked or collapsed ducts.
If these noisy areas are all close to the
furnace or
air handler this may be an indication of improperly sized duct work as most of the air flow is being forced to flow through the shorter duct runs. This can easily be repaired using volume dampers inside the duct work adjusting for air flows. A qualified HVAC contractor can help make the final determination on where the dampers should go.
A noisy return grille is also an indication of improperly sized ducts or improperly sized return grille. Noisy furnaces and air handlers that whistle or sound like a wind tunnel are also an indication of improperly sized duct work or grilles. For more information on proper sizing of duct work as far as an industry standard rule of thumb check out our article on
duct sizes.