What Is the Difference Between Air Ducts and Air Vents?

A lot of people don’t know what is the difference between air ducts and air vents, and it’s an understandable mistake. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a big difference between the two. Novak Heating and Cooling explain the key differences between air ducts and air vents so you can better understand how they work and how to care for them.

What Are Air Ducts?

The ductwork of a forced air HVAC system is responsible for delivering the conditioned air throughout the building. The ducts are typically made of sheet metal or similar material that is sturdy enough to withstand the pressures of the airflow. The size of the ducts can vary depending on the layout of your home. Ducts are often insulated to help reduce noise and prevent heat loss. In some cases, the ductwork may also include a system of baffles or dampers that help to regulate the flow of air.

When your furnace or air conditioning is running, there is a fan inside the HVAC unit that blows the air through a network of distribution ducts, where it is then distributed evenly throughout the house.

Return ducts play an important role in your home’s HVAC system, too. They are the air ducts that carry air from your home back to the furnace or air conditioner.

What Are Air Vents?

The air vents of an HVAC system are the openings through which air is delivered into the room. The size, shape, and location of the air vents are determined by the design of the HVAC system. The most common type of air vent is the floor vent, which is designed to deliver air into the room at a low level. Other types of air vents include ceiling vents, wall vents, and register vents.

The air vents in your home are an important part of your HVAC system. They help to circulate air throughout the house and keep the temperature regulated. The return vents allow stale indoor air to enter the return ducts and cycle back to the HVAC unit. The air is then warmed or cooled by the HVAC system and pushed back out through the distribution ducts and vents. Supply vents blow conditioned air out of them. Supply vents are often high on walls or near the ceiling. This process helps to ensure that the air in your home is clean and comfortable.

How to Clean Air Ducts and Air Vents

Many people don’t realize how important it is to keep their air ducts clean. Over time, dirt, dust, and other allergens can build up in the ductwork, and when the furnace or air conditioning kicks on, these contaminants are circulated through the home. The build up can cause low air flow to particular rooms and create hot and cold spots throughout your house, not to mention indoor air quality issues like respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue.

Professional air duct cleaning can help to remove these contaminants and improve indoor air quality. The process is simple: a specially trained technician will insert a powerful vacuum into the ductwork and remove all the buildup. In most cases, the entire system can be cleaned in just a few hours. And best of all, regular duct cleaning can help to extend the life of your HVAC system. This service should be performed every 3 to 5 years or more often if needed.

To keep your system running smoothly and prevent the spread of contaminants in your home’s air, it’s important to clean your HVAC air vent covers on a regular basis. The frequency with which you need to clean them will depend on the type of system you have and the characteristics of your home, but in general, it’s a good idea to do so at least once a month. Here’s how:

  • First, start by vacuuming the area around the vent cover to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated there.
  • Next, remove the vent cover and use a mild soap and water solution to clean the vent cover itself.
  • Be sure to rinse it thoroughly afterward.
  • Once the cover is dry, you can put it back in place.

Professional Duct Services in Cedar Rapids, IA from Novak

The bottom line is that air ducts and vents are not the same things, and it’s important to understand the difference in order to maintain a healthy home environment. If you have any questions about your ventilation system or would like to schedule a duct cleaning, please contact Novak Heating, Air, and Duct Cleaning today.

Can I Just Buy a Furnace?

Winter is definitely coming, which means it’s time to start thinking about buying a new furnace. If you’re like most homeowners, you have a lot of questions about how can I just buy a furnace and what the process entails. Novak Heating and Cooling explains the steps for buying a new furnace, so you can be prepared for what’s to come.

The Furnace Buying Process

If you’re not familiar with the process, you may be surprised that buying a new heating appliance for your home is much different than buying any other kind of appliance. You can purchase a new furnace by yourself from a retailer, but it’s always best to buy a new furnace from a licensed HVAC contractor. Not only will they be able to recommend the best model for your needs, but they’ll also be able to install it correctly and ensure that it meets all the necessary safety standards. In the long run, buying a new furnace from a licensed and reputable HVAC company will save you money, hassle, and peace of mind.

Size of the Furnace

When looking for a furnace replacement, it is important to keep in mind that the process will vary somewhat depending on the specific company you work with. First, the contractor will need to size the furnace according to the square footage of your home and the number of BTUs (British thermal units) required to heat the space. This information will allow you to choose the proper size furnace. A furnace that is too small will have to work harder to heat your home, while a furnace that is too large will be less efficient as well.

Fuel Source

When purchasing a new furnace, you might also want to consider the fuel sources available. Many homes have a natural gas furnace, but if you are looking to move away from burning fossil fuels, you might want to consider an electric furnace. It’s important to consider the heating bills you can expect as well as the furnace cost. Gas furnaces are typically cheaper to operate than electric furnaces, but you will need to have a gas line installed if you don’t already have one.

Efficiency Ratings

Heating your home can be a big expense, so it’s important to choose a furnace that is both energy efficient and economical to operate. With so many factors to consider, it’s important to do your research before purchasing a new furnace. Newer furnaces are much more efficient than older models, so it’s worth considering an upgrade if your furnace is more than a few years old. A high-efficiency furnace might be a tempting option to lower your energy bills in the long run, but the higher the energy efficiency of a new furnace, often the higher the furnace costs. Talk with your HVAC system technician about a reasonable budget that you can expect to spend on a new heating system.

Consider a New Air Conditioner, Too

When shopping for a new furnace, it’s important to think about cooling equipment, too. Installing a new furnace and air conditioner at the same time has a number of benefits for homeowners. When both units are new, they will be matched to work together more efficiently than when one is new and one is old. There will be less guesswork on when you’ll need to replace your HVAC systems down the line because they will both be the same age.

Second, buying both units at the same time can save you money on labor costs and return trips for a second installation date. Finally, installing both units at the same time can save you time and hassle as everything is done all at once. By replacing both units at the same time, you can avoid inconvenience.

Professional Furnace Installation from Novak

When you work with an HVAC professional, you can rest assured that your new furnace will be installed properly. Following complete installation, your HVAC installer will perform a combustion efficiency test to ensure that the furnace is operating safely and efficiently. Finally, they will walk you through how to operate the furnace and answer any questions you may have.

Start Your Search for a New Furnace For Your Cedar Rapids, IA Home

The best way to learn about your options and find the perfect furnace for your home is to contact Novak Heating, Air, and Duct Cleaning to schedule a consultation. We can provide you with a quote for installation and answer any questions you may have about furnaces and even air conditioners.