That hot summer heat is about to greet us again. And while we wait, we won’t want to be feeling any heat coming out of the air ducts. But what do you do when it happens?
A few things could be causing the heat in your air ducts. One possibility is that the insulation around the ductwork has started to degrade, allowing heat to seep in.
Another possibility is a blockage somewhere in the ductwork, preventing air from flowing freely and causing the temperature to rise.
Whatever the cause, it’s crucial to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. Not only will it make your home more comfortable, but it can also help increase your energy efficiency and save money on your utility bills.
If you think you might have an issue with your air ducts, contact a professional HVAC contractor for an inspection. Or, read on to learn about what causes the heating of your air ducts.
1. The airflow is blocked through the ducts.
One possibility is that something is blocking the airflow through the ducts. That could be a build-up of dust or other debris or a blockage caused by an object, such as a piece of furniture.
2. The ductwork isn’t properly insulated.
Another possibility is that the ductwork itself is not correctly insulated, which can cause heat to build up inside the ducts. Finally, if your furnace is not working well, it could be causing the air in the ducts to become heated.
3. You have a heat pump.
If you have a heat pump, the most likely cause of your heated air ducts is a problem with the reversing valve. This valve is responsible for switching the direction of the flow of refrigerant, and if it becomes stuck in the “wrong” position, it can cause your heat pump to deliver heat to your ducts instead of cool air.
4. You have an HVAC zoning system.
If you have an HVAC zoning system, the most likely cause of your heated air ducts is a problem with the damper actuators. These actuators are responsible for opening and closing the dampers that control the flow of air to each zone, and if they become stuck in the “open” position, they can allow hot air to flow into your ducts.
5. There is a problem with your furnace.
If you have a furnace, the most likely cause of your heated air ducts is a problem with the furnace itself. If your furnace is not heating the air properly, it can cause the air to become too hot, which can, in turn, cause your ducts to become heated.
- Oil-fired furnace: If you have an oil-fired furnace, the most likely cause of your heated air ducts is that the furnace is not working right. If your oil-fired furnace is not heating the air properly, it can cause the air to become too hot, which can, in turn, cause your ducts to become heated.
- Electric furnace: If you have an electric furnace, the most likely cause of your heated air ducts is a problem with the heating elements. These elements can become corroded over time, preventing them from properly heating the air that passes through them.
- Gas furnace: If you have a gas furnace, it’s possible the heat from the furnace is not being correctly distributed through the ductwork. That can be caused by several different problems, including a dirty or blocked air filter, an issue with the blower motor or a leak in the ductwork itself.
6. You have an electric or kerosene heater.
If you have an electric or kerosene heater, the most likely cause of your heated air ducts is that the heater is not working right. If your electric or kerosene heater is not heating the air properly, it can cause the air to become too hot, which can, in turn, cause your ducts to become heated.
Also, if your kerosene heater is not well-ventilated, it can cause the air around it to become too hot, which can also cause your ducts to become heated.
7. You have a solar-powered home.
If you have a solar-powered home, the most likely cause of your heated air ducts is sunlight. Solar panels can reflect sunlight onto your ducts, which can heat them.
8. You live in an area with high temperatures.
If you live in an area with high temperatures, the most likely cause of your heated air ducts is the ambient temperature outside. If it’s scorching outdoors, the air inside your ducts will also be hot.
9. You have trouble with your thermostat.
If you have a problem with your thermostat, the most likely cause of your heated air ducts is that the thermostat isn’t set correctly. The thermostat controls your home’s temperature, so if you don’t set it correctly, your air ducts will not be at the correct temperature.
10. You have a problem with your air conditioner.
If you have an air conditioner, the most likely cause of your heated air ducts is a problem with the air conditioner itself. If your air conditioner is not cooling the air properly, it can cause the air to become too hot, which can, in turn, cause your ducts to become heated.
Conclusion
There are a few different reasons why your air ducts might become heated. The most common causes include a problem with your air conditioner or even how your home is insulated. However, other reasons include a blockage in your ducts or even a problem with how your furnace works.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your air ducts to heat up, it’s always best to contact a professional HVAC specialist to take a look. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.
