Having a reliable HVAC system makes your home comfortable. Functioning air ducts make such a system possible. What happens when those ducts are no longer working as efficiently as they should? Here are some signs you should schedule a heating and cooling inspection to see if it's time for new ducts.

Old Age

Do you know how old your ductwork system is? That can have a big say over whether it's time for a replacement. Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20 to 25 years, according to Direct Energy. As your ducts get up in age, you may notice poor airflow over time. When a technician does a regular heating and cooling inspection, they can determine whether the age has gotten to the point where they're no longer useful.

Higher Bills

You may notice higher energy bills. When ducts are no longer efficient, they are working harder than they should to perform the same job. This increases your energy usage. Of course, the more energy your HVAC system burns, the higher your electrical bills will be.

Uneven Temperature

When you turn your unit on for heating or cooling, are you noticing uneven temperatures? In other words, when you have your unit set to heat at 75 degrees, does it feel more like 40 degrees? When you need to cool down in summer or warm up in winter, you want to ensure your HVAC system can supply the necessary temperature to keep you comfortable.

Strange Noises

Do you notice strange noises coming from your system? You should feel your system working -- not hear or smell it. Are you hearing whistling or rattling sounds whenever you turn it on? A noisy unit is no longer functioning efficiently. The noisier it gets, the more it's becoming worn down.

As you can see, you have several ways to tell if your airway ducts need replacement. They must remain functional and clean if you want to have well-circulated filtered air throughout your home. You want to feel warm in winter and cool in summer. It's hard to keep your home comfortably conditioned when a system has become worn down. Schedule a regular heating and cooling inspection for your ducts. Contact Andersen Air today for an appointment.