One of the most common misconceptions that exists in the world of home heating and cooling is that you can save energy or better divert the flow of air by closing up vents in rooms you’re not using. This may have been true once upon a time with old HVAC technology, but these days it can actually do you more harm than good to follow this outdated advice.

Here’s some information from our professional duct cleaners in Weber County, UT about why this myth can be so harmful.

How your home ventilation works

Your house is a mostly closed ventilation system, with filtration that cleans the air. There’s nothing moving the air internally—a blower fan is in charge of circulating the air, and the moving air carries heat or air conditioning around your home. There are also a couple different types of motors used in these blower fans, one of which is a variable motor that adjusts its operation based on the amount of air pressure it gets, while the other constantly runs at the same rate regardless of the conditions. The second is more common, because it’s cheaper, but it also is more likely to cause problems with efficiency given its lack of flexibility.

With a continually running fan like that, the fan is likely working harder than it needs to as it moves air through a smaller space. The air in your home continues to cycle, and as it leaves a space, more air will replace it. If you close one of the air vents in your home, you reduce the number of places the moving air can go, which restricts airflow and can cause problems with air pressure.

Keep in mind that your HVAC system has been specifically chosen to fit the size of your home. Your blower fan is able to move an amount of air that is ideally suited for your ventilation system’s flow rate and your home’s size. If you restrict airflow by closing vents, this becomes problematic because the increased pressure results in air flowing at a lower rate, making it more difficult to carry heat throughout your home.

Even if you do have a variable motor, this can still be problematic. While the fan motor can ramp up to increase airflow against the additional pressure caused by closing vents, you are still expending more energy to make up for that decreased airflow, meaning you’re not getting the energy savings that are basically the entire purpose of a variable motor system.

So, if you’ve been closing vents to try to save money on heating your home during the winter, it’s better to look into other ideas, including adjusting the thermostat so your system doesn’t run as frequently, upgrading your home’s insulation, sealing windows or leaving doors open for better, more even heat distribution throughout your home.

For more information about your home ventilation system and how it can operate most efficiently, contact the professional duct cleaners in Weber County, UT at Fresh Ducts.

Do you suspect there’s mold growing somewhere in your home? If so, it’s important to take the necessary remediation steps as soon as possible so you can prevent it from posing a significant health risk to your family. Mold spores, especially from black mold, can cause or worsen existing respiratory conditions, so it’s important you resolve the issue as soon as possible. If it’s located in your ducts, this means working with professional duct cleaners in Weber County, UT to remove it.

Mold in ducts generally occurs if there is a combination of a stable temperature, a source of water or moisture and a source of food for that mold to thrive on. HVAC systems are generally designed to stabilize temperature in a building, so that knocks out one of the requirements right off the bat. The dust that is found in any HVAC system also serves as food for mold. This means if you have any moisture getting into your ducts, there’s a strong chance that mold will begin to grow there.

Here are just a few ways you can tell if there’s mold in your air ducts before you start calling the mold remediation specialists for an appointment:

• Smells: The most obvious sign of mold growth in your air ducts is if you start to smell a musty smell emanating from your vents. Most people know what mold smells like, even if they don’t know it’s the smell of mold. (Think bad food in a refrigerator, old sweaty gym clothes or certain types of cheeses.) If you start to notice these smells spreading around your home, then this is a sign there’s a strong possibility you have mold invading your HVAC.
• Visual signs: If you think there’s a chance you have mold growing in your vents or ductwork, open up one of your vents and shine a flashlight into it. If you see off-color spotting or black splotches forming anywhere in the ductwork, then you definitely have mold growing and need to call in a pro as soon as possible to resolve the issue. There are some circumstances in which the mold will actually be visible outside the vents and on the surrounding walls, floors or ceilings, but this is in rare, severe cases only and is a sign that the mold has progressed to an extremely severe problem.
• Moisture: Have you noticed any excessive moisture or standing water anywhere in your home? Even if you don’t actually have any mold growing, you should at least take whatever steps you can to make sure you eliminate the moisture and water problem so that it doesn’t result in any structural issues in your home, or lead to future mold growth. Figure out where the water is coming from and address the problem at its source.

To learn more about how you can spot mold growth in your home and what you can do about it when you find it, contact Fresh Ducts to speak with our experienced duct cleaners in Weber County, UT.

Whether you’re cooling your home during the summer or trying to heat it up in the winter, your ductwork plays an essential role in circulating air through your home. Unfortunately, ductwork is notorious for developing leaks that can cause drafts, decreased efficiency and less effective operation of your HVAC system. To mend these leaks and secure connections in ductwork, people use a variety of duct sealing products. Lots of people think that different duct sealer products are pretty much the same when it comes to effectiveness, but there are a lot of things that distinguish these various duct sealers in Weber County, UT.

Duct tape vs. mastic

There are two basic types of duct sealers—duct tape and mastic. You’ve probably seen and used duct tape before. It’s a strong, durable adhesive that has a cloth backing. It’s frequently used for all kinds of things around the home, including duct sealing. People tend to favor duct tape for sealing because of how flexible and easy to use it is. You can simply tear off as much tape as you need and adhere it to your ducts. You don’t need to deal with the messiness of liquid adhesives, and you can simply apply more tape as needed.

However, despite its convenience (and its name), duct tape doesn’t necessarily offer the best longevity when it’s used on ducts. It tends to lose its adherence relatively quickly, especially for ductwork that’s exposed to rain and extreme temperatures. Since ducts tend to vibrate quite a bit, tape may come lose pretty quickly.

Mastic is a sticky, liquid adhesive that is typically used by builders and professionals who work with ductwork. It is a gooey substance that doesn’t harden, but rather maintains a certain elasticity and flexibility as it cures. It can last several years without touch-ups, and is effective at preventing leaks. However, there are some cases when mastic isn’t a practical sealing option. Clamped flex duct joints, for example, aren’t usually a suitable application for mastic. The gooey quality of mastic makes it a challenge to apply, especially for people who aren’t used to it. If you want to use mastic, you should get help from professional duct sealers in Weber County, UT. They will be able to ensure a quality seal while avoiding a messy application.

Contact duct sealers in Weber County, UT

At Fresh Ducts, we know how much of a difference the right duct sealers in Weber County, UT can make when it comes to the efficiency and performance of your HVAC system. We offer comprehensive duct services including cleaning and sealing so that your system continues to work the way it should for years to come. We’ve been serving customers in the community since 1993, and we have developed an outstanding reputation for our quality work and friendly service. Clean ducts that are sealed properly promote the proper functioning of your system and help you save money on energy and effectively control the temperature in your home. Give us a call today to find out more or schedule an appointment.

It’s summertime, and it’s hot. That means you’re turning on the air conditioning again. But wait—what’s that odor coming from the vent? You think about it a little while, then go back to whatever you were doing before and forget about it.

The smell might be nothing, but then again, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Either way, bringing in expert duct cleaners in Weber County, UT is a smart maintenance move to ensure that your AC keeps working whenever you need it. Let’s look at the potential causes of bad odors from ducts and what they might indicate:

• Garbage: If you smell something like rotting garbage, that probably means there’s an animal carcass in the vent. While this can potentially be dangerous, your first thought is likely that it’s just really gross! The smell is just going to get worse and worse if you don’t take care of it. Bring in the pros, who can remove the dead animal and thoroughly clean your vents.
• Tobacco smoke: If someone in your home smokes—or if someone in the home smoked in the past—you’re likely to get a blast of old cigarette smell every time you turn on your ventilation system. Cleaning the coil will resolve this problem.
• Feet: An odor like stinky feet isn’t something anyone wants in their home. This means that water has pooled in the ventilation system. Bringing in a duct cleaning service will remove the water and ensure that the system is in top-notch condition.
• Mold or mildew: This happens anytime there’s a collection of moisture in the system that doesn’t go away. This can be a long-term hazard to your health, because many people have allergies to mold. Be sure to bring in duct cleaners to rid your vents of this problem.
• Dangerous smells: A burning odor could mean that your ventilation system is malfunctioning and needs immediate attention. Sewage is typically linked to a backed up sewage line, which causes a whole host of other problems. A rotten egg smell should be taken very seriously—this may be a sign of a gas leak. Call the gas company first, then talk to your trusted HVAC pros.

Do you want to live more comfortably in your home while reducing heating and cooling costs? Then you want to hire the top professional duct cleaners in Weber County, UT: Fresh Ducts. Since 1993, we’ve been dedicated to helping the community breathe cleaner air and keep ventilation systems working smoothly. When you invest in duct cleaning with us, you can rest assured that our trained technicians will get the job done right the first time.

We’re the affordable choice to help protect your home against dangerous allergens like mold, mildew and dust. When you choose Fresh Ducts, you’ll get the best of both worlds: savings on your monthly bills and a more comfortable space to live in. Contact us today to learn more about our services and receive a free estimate!

Many people want to know whether it’s possible to add filters to air vents. We have good news for you: you can! But the real question is, should you? Whether you are trying to solve the problem of poor indoor air quality or you are simply trying to get ahead of potential concerns, air filters might have crossed your mind. Unfortunately, they may not be the answer to your problem.

With this in mind, let’s find out from local duct cleaners in Weber County, UT why adding filters to your air vents may not be the best idea:

• Cuts down on airflow: Filters, by nature, slow the air moving through them to pull out particulate matter and clean the air. This slowing can be an issue, though. Air conditioning and heating systems are designed to have a specific airflow moving through them when they operate. Stacking filters in between the air intake and outputs puts unnecessary strain on the system, and over time can shorten its life. When a machine is forced to work harder than it was designed to, it tends to break down easier, have more problems and cost you more money down the road.
• Making a bad problem worse: When it comes to issues like mold, filters can actually trap particulate matter and keep it cycling and spreading. If you’ve ever dealt with mold, like in a shower or bathtub, then you know what a pain it can be to contain once it takes root. Because your ductwork is both hot and cold with some humidity, mold spores will have an easier time making themselves at home in your air system. This is not healthy or safe. Instead, consider having your system flushed, thoroughly cleaned and sealed. A specialist will be able to gauge your needs and provide a solution that leaves your home with healthy, breathable air.
• Keep it clean: If you are trying to filter your air conditioning system because “things are blowing out” when you turn it on, you are barking up the wrong tree. Debris like leaves, sticks, dust and other particulate matter is a good sign you need a full system cleaning, not filters. In fact, stacking filters into your system will only exacerbate a bad situation and lead to more clogs, more strain on the system and the same dirty air. A professional air conditioning technician will be able to find your problem, thoroughly clean your system and get it operating at its best again.
• Work with what you’ve got: Instead of looking at adding filters where they don’t belong, check the ones the system was designed to have. Buying a more effective filter for designated spots will mean cleaner air and a happier air conditioning unit. Check with your air conditioning manufacturer to see if they recommend a specific type or brand of filter. This will help your system run as intended.

If it’s time to inspect and clean your home’s ductwork, give us a call at Fresh Ducts. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment and our professional duct cleaners in Weber County, UT will head out to your location soon!