What is HVAC ductwork and how it works? What comes to mind when you think about your air conditioning system in Dubai? Most people think of the indoor vents that transport air in and out of the different rooms in the home. While others may consider the large and more visible outdoor unit that powers the entire system.
Few people, however, stop to think about the many different components that connect this outdoor unit to the one outdoor. Both the indoor and outdoor components of the HVAC system are connected by a channel of vents called ductwork.
This article will present the essential role HVAC ductwork play in your air conditioning system. You will also discover the role of each part of your air duct work and how to ensure they keep supplying your home with cool air all year long in Dubai.
The Different Parts of Your HVAC Ductwork
Your air ductwork system is made up of several different parts depending on your building’s needs. Although HVAC systems differ from maker to maker, they come with several similar components. Some of these include:
1. Pipes, ducts, and trunks
The air conditioning process sucks air from the inside of the home, filters it, and passes it across to the compressor to be conditioned. This air passes through your pipes, ducts, and trunks which come together to make up a major part of your HVAC ductwork.
Ducts transport air from the central supply trunk to each room of your home. The trunk feeds directly to the main cooling unit. Pipes, ducts, and trunks come in many shapes and types but are most commonly made of steel. However, other rigid insulating materials such as plastic or fiberglass may be used.
2. Duct connections and transitions
4. Flues
These are often found in dual temperature HVAC systems or in air conditioning equipment that produces noxious fumes during the heating or cooling process. Flues are essentially air conduits to the outside through which the return plenum vents unrecycled air.
5. Refrigerant lines
Refrigerant lines are the two insulated copper lines that connect the outdoor air conditioning unit to the indoor evaporator coil. The smaller line carries liquid while the larger one carries the refrigerant into the compressors and is often called the suction line or vapor line. The refrigerant is what allows your HVAC system to cool your air.
6. Air handlers
This is a large metal box in the HVAC ductwork that contains the blower fan, filters, and sound dampers or attenuators. The blower fan propels air throughout the air ductwork system ensuring that it gets to where it’s supposed to go. Air handlers may also include the cooling coils and other cooling elements.
7. Drain pans and lines
Your air conditioner’s cooling process creates plenty of condensation which can build up within the AC unit. If left inside your system, condensation can cause metals to rust and encourage mold build up inside your home. This is where drain pans come in, they accumulate the condensation build-up and direct it out of the building through the drain line.
When Should I Repair or Replace My HVAC Ductwork?
Contact a professional air ductwork professional if you notice a drop in your air quality or supply. Your technician should be able to analyze your entire air ductwork to find out what the problem is and proffer solutions.
You should think twice before attempting to clean your air duct system yourself. Maintaining an air ductwork system requires some level of technical knowledge, tools, and expertise. Without these, you may end up doing your HVAC system more harm than good.
Mistral Cleaning Services provides exceptional AC ductwork cleaning, maintenance, repairs, and installation in Dubai. We can help you keep your HVAC system running optimally throughout its lifetime. Our mission is to maintain clean and healthy living spaces for our customers using efficient processes and high-quality equipment.
When Should I Call a Professional to Clean My Air Duct?
This depends on several factors such as the type of AC system, how you use it, and your location. Dubai’s summers are dusty, prone to sandstorms and extreme weather conditions that may affect your HVAC unit.
This makes having an air conditioner maintenance schedule necessary. Ideally, you should carry out a thorough maintenance check-up at least once every year. However, you should call a professional maintenance company if you notice any problems with your unit.
Scheduling a maintenance service when the climate is much better during winter will ensure that you receive prompt service. This may become more difficult during summers when it is more likely to be dusty. You may have a harder time getting service by then, as that’s when maintenance companies receive a high volume of calls.
What Are the Things to Check If Your Air Duct Need to Be Cleaned?
The air duct work system continually transports air in and out of your building. This makes it easy for fine dust and other particles to collect on the inner surfaces of your HVAC ducts, vents, coils, and motors.
Dead hair, skin, and other bio-matter is caught onto the dust and create an environment where bacteria, mold, and other allergens can thrive.
Regular AC duct cleaning is the best way to protect your home and family from these contaminants. Below are some common indicators that show when your HVAC ductwork needs to be cleaned.
1. Vent covers.
This is a common hiding place for dust particles and . Contact a professional technician to y. They can do this by opening them up and looking inside to see if it contains accumulated dust, dirt, and debris. Vent covers can be cleaned using a power washer or similar equipment set at medium power.
2. Return air registers.
Most of the air that is sucked out of your room pass through your return air registers. This means that they easily come in contact with indoor dust, dead hair, and skin. Check the surface of your return air registers for visible signs of dust buildup. The best way to get rid of dust coating is by removing the register and dusting it with a brush.
3. Air filters.
Air filters remove dust and other particles from your HVAC duct work. Over time, they can get clogged with dust particles that choke off can the flow of air in and out of your building. Ensure that the air filters are clean by pulling them out and changing them if they are clogged with dust.
4. Cooling compartment.
Your cooling compartment contains the blower fan and motor, both of which should be free from dust. Check the cooling compartment regularly by opening it up examining the interior as well as the furnace controls for signs of dust. The presence of dust indicates a problem with your HVAC system.
5. AC evaporator coil.
The air conditioning coil is where the refrigerant absorbs heat, which is essentially where the cold air comes from. A dusty coil can prevent your AC system from functioning properly. We can access your air conditioning coil by opening the housing panel to check if it has dust clinging to it or its housing walls.
Call for Professional AC Maintenance
Your HVAC ductwork system is an essential part of your air conditioning unit. It is made up of several different parts that work together to keep you supplied with clean fresh air all year long. Hiring a professional HVAC duct maintenance technician is the best way to ensure that your ducts keep serving you for a long time to come.