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How to Troubleshoot Ducted Heating

As the name implies, ducted heating systems take advantage of a number of different ducts which are all strategically positioned throughout a building. All of the ducts are connected to a central heating unit which takes air from within the building, heats it and then returns the heated air through the various ducts. In the event that the ducted heating system is malfunctioning, it is possible to troubleshoot and repair the system without specialty tools or equipment.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal foil tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the ductwork in the system for obvious signs of wear or leaks. While large sections of the ductwork are often hidden behind walls or ceilings, other sections are accessible from basements, attics and garages. These visible sections of ductwork are often the source of duct problems.

    • 2

      Ensure that there no kinks or other blockages that may reduce the flow of air within the ducts. Inspect all of the ducts that are visible to ensure that nothing is leaning on or otherwise blocking the ductwork.

    • 3

      Verify that the ductwork is properly connected to all of the vents. Visually inspect the ductwork in order to confirm that the connections are secure and that there are no openings from which air could escape.

    • 4

      Repair any tears or other sources of leaks in the ductwork by applying metal foil tape. Never use duct tape as it is not designed to be a long lasting repair solution.