7 Issues Unique to Ducted Airconditioning Systems

Everyone deserves some level of comfort, and one of the ways to achieve it is by installing a ducted air conditioning system in your house. Ducted air conditioners are a type of air conditioning system capable of cooling your entire place.

Unlike other air conditioning systems, ducted types have a central unit that cools the air and distributes the cooled air through various ducts into the different rooms within your property. Regarding functionality, a ducted air conditioning system is equipped with premium features that other air conditioners don't have. For example, it operates quietly, allowing you to have quiet and comfortable nights.

Like most air conditioners, a ducted air conditioning system requires routine maintenance to function efficiently and effectively. For best results, you can hire professionals offering affordable electrical services to ensure your system functions properly. Unfortunately, some common issues are unique to ducted air conditioners, regardless of how you manage their care and maintenance. Such issues include the following:

1. Poor Ductwork Design

Poor quality ductwork design may result in massive inefficiencies. Ducted air conditioners that are too big for small homes or commercial properties may result in significant energy losses.

On the other hand, ducted systems that are too small may force the units to work harder to distribute the air in every room. To prevent any issues and enjoy the benefits of ducted air conditioning, hiring highly qualified professionals is crucial. Experts can help ensure a high-quality ductwork design.

2. Bad Odour

One of the common issues with a ducted air conditioning system is bad odour. It can be due to various factors, such as bacteria build-up, mould growth, and mildew. If you notice unusual smells coming from your vents, it's vital to have your unit cleaned immediately.

In other cases, you may have to replace air filters. For instance, if you live in a region with lots of pollen, you must often replace the filters to prevent respiratory health problems and allergies. This is especially crucial for those who suffer from respiratory health conditions like asthma.

A bad odour may also lead to nausea, headache, and dizziness. If you notice such symptoms, it's critical to get fresh air immediately and seek healthcare attention if needed.

While the foul odour is typically harmless at first, it may eventually cause discomfort and other health problems. By taking care of your system and providing it with regular maintenance, you can avoid bad odour and other issues from happening.

3. Insulation Issues

Compared to split systems where the distance between the outdoor and indoor units is short, there's a distance between the compressor and air conditioning grilles themselves. While this distance might not seem like an issue, long distances can translate to more cooling being lost.

During the summer, your ceiling traps will get unusually warmer. This heat usually radiates into your air conditioning ducts, which can warm up the cool air. Insulation is installed in your ducts to avoid it. However, when insulation problems occur, it radiates into your ducts, making the system operate less efficiently and work extra harder to cool your property. To repair insulation problems, contact professionals who repair ducted air conditioning systems.

4. Loss Of Air

As most property owners know, ducted air conditioning systems are the best way to keep your home comfortable and cool during the hot season. But one of the issues you may encounter with such systems is air loss due to leakage.

When air leaks out of your ducts, it can result in energy loss, causing your energy bills to increase. Leaked air may also lead to drafts or uneven temperatures in your house. To prevent that, seal cracks or gaps in your ductwork using caulking or weatherstripping.

5. Dirty Filters And Clogged Ducts

Dust and debris may clog your air conditioning system, regardless of its type and size. More often than not, it may result in dirty filters or clogged ducts. While these are also common to other air conditioning units, the difference is in the process of fixing the system.

In split air conditioning systems, it's the filter that clogs. Such filters are easy to access. The only thing you should do is remove the indoor unit's covering to remove and replace the filter.

However, for ducted air conditioning systems, the filters are often located deep in the ductwork. This makes it harder to reach and may need the assistance of air conditioning professionals with extensive experience repairing and servicing ducted air conditioning systems.

6. Limited Airflow

Another issue unique to ducted air conditioning systems is limited airflow. It can be due to various factors, such as vent blockage, dirty air filters, and ductwork leaks. In other cases, increasing the blower motor's speed can help enhance airflow. But if the problem is widespread, you might need to deep clean your entire system with the help of a specialist.

Although ducted air conditioning systems are made to provide years of trouble-free operation, they need regular maintenance to function properly. By providing your unit with proper care and maintenance, you can ensure that it'll give you years of comfortable cooling.

7. Damaged Ductwork

The ductwork should be in excellent condition for ducted air conditioning systems to operate optimally. It's what determines the comfort level that you get in your house. Bendable plastic, rubber, and metal are some of the things that make up the ductwork, but it depends on the system you want to install.

Each material has its pros and cons. In many cases, you may find that the commercial ones have the best. However, ducts can be damaged or get torn totally. For example, aluminium ducts aren't as durable as they might seem despite them being strong.

If there's damage, a ducted air conditioning system won't function effectively as the cool air may escape. To avoid this, call a local technician when your air conditioner goes out. With the expertise and experience of professionals, they can inspect and repair the ductwork for you.

Conclusion

Ducted air conditioning systems are an excellent way to keep your house comfortable and cool. However, being aware of the common issues unique to such units is crucial. This way, you'll know how to provide your system with the right care and avoid any potential issues from occurring. If you experience problems with your ducted air conditioning system, get professional help.