Just about any homeowner who owns a heating and cooling system knows what HVAC stands for. You’re probably thinking, “Of course, it stands for heating and air conditioning.” But do you know what the “V” stands for? If not, don’t be too hard on yourself. Many people aren’t aware that it stands for “ventilation.”
However, ignoring your home’s ventilation is something you shouldn’t do. Ventilation is a part of HVAC for good reason. Your home’s ventilation system (its air ducts and ductwork) is the support system for your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner, and if it’s not up to the task, your home comfort will suffer.
You can purchase a high-efficiency furnace or air conditioner, but investing in a costly system is only part of the equation. Many things affect how energy efficient your home is including the state of your ductwork and your home’s insulation. Let’s go over how problematic air ducts can contribute to decreased HVAC efficiency and the signs that this is happening in your home.