There is nothing more frustrating than knowing that your air conditioner is running full blast, yet your home remains stuffy and hot. You may be surprised to learn that your ductwork could be the culprit for the inadequate or uneven cooling throughout your home. Duct maintenance is key for the efficiency and effectiveness of your air conditioner.Duct sealingBefore moving forward with any other type of duct maintenance, you must work with an HVAC contractor to inspect your ductwork for any cracks or leaks. It has been estimated by the federal Energy Star Program that an average of 20 percent of conditioned air is lost through leaky ductwork. This means your air conditioner must work considerably harder to keep up with your cooling needs, both increasing your energy bill while decreasing your home comfort. All leaks should be sealed by a professional for optimal performance.Duct cleaningEvery time your air conditioner cycles on, your ductwork takes on yet another layer of sticky dust and debris. Over time, this dirt and grime builds up, slowing the passage of air through your ducts. Not only will this decrease the amount of cool air that can reach each room of your home, but it will also lessen the amount of air that can be dehumidified in your space. This aspect of duct maintenance should be performed by a trained HVAC professional on an "as-needed" basis.Return ductsWhile your HVAC technician is performing duct maintenance, have him evaluate your current return-air ducts. Many homes do not have an adequate return path for air that needs to be cooled again. As your air conditioner pumps cool air into a room, there has to be a way for warmer air being pushed out to get back to your air conditioner to be cooled again. Without adequate return-air ducts, your home may experience uneven cooling. A contractor can work with you to add ductwork in your wall's cavities, through closets, pantries and other areas.For more expert advice on duct maintenance contact the experts at Air Assurance. We're proud to serve Broken Arrow and surrounding areas.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock