With the hottest months in Los Angeles still to come, you have reason to be concerned if your AC isn't cooling your home properly. Although there are many potential reasons that your air conditioner isn't working (dirty filter, clogged vents, improper installation, poorly maintained equipment, thermostat issues, etc.), it is also possible that the problem lies in the ductwork.

HVAC: The V is for Ventilation

When your air conditioner is not cooling the way it should, the problem may not lie in the unit itself, but in the ventilation system (the "V" in HVAC). The ventilation system is the ductwork in your home, which connects your air conditioner to the outdoors. If the ductwork is damaged, you may notice that your unit isn't cooling your home to your liking.

Damage to ductwork is more often than not, invisible as the ducts are hidden behind floors, walls, and ceilings. There are exceptions of course, particularly in lofts, which feature exposed ductwork as a design aesthetic. But for most homeowners in Los Angeles and Ventura County, you may not suspect damage to your ductwork, because you can't see it. However, that doesn't mean that it's not to blame for problems with your air conditioner.

Duct damage may range from tears, to improper sizing, construction and installation, to poor connections. For example, if your air ducts are too large for the space they are housed in, you'll experience reduced airflow, reducing in diminished cooling, as the conditioned air cannot reach the vents. In addition to duct systems which are not sized properly, duct work that has been damaged by rodents, ductwork that was damaged during a remodel or renovation, or even ductwork that has been damaged by extreme summer heat (due to poor insulation) can result in higher utility bills, without effective cooling power.

If you suspect damage to ductwork in your home, we don't recommend you attempt to fix yourself. It can be very challenging to access the ducts, and there is likelihood that you may not find all areas that have been damaged.

Contact First Choice Air in Los Angeles For Air Conditioning Service

First Choice Air's licensed HVAC technicians are here to help with any problems you're experiencing with your air conditioning unit. Our team will identify any damage to ductwork, and repair it, so that you may again begin enjoying the full power of your AC unit, in time for the hottest temperatures of the year.

If your air conditioner is making noise, isn't cooling your home properly or evenly, if you notice a smell coming from your air conditioning, or if you have any other concerns, please contact locally owned First Choice Air. We service Los Angeles and Ventura County, including the entire San Fernando Valley. As an EPA Certified Business, First Choice Air provides new HVAC system sales, air conditioning maintenance, air conditioning unit repairs, air conditioning installation and emergency service. Contact us today at 800-991-9247