Ductwork is the hero of your heating and cooling system. It’s essential to keeping your home comfortable. Most homeowners don’t think about replacing their ductwork until there’s a problem, but it can be a big mistake.
Ductwork can be a hidden problem in homes with furnaces, and air conditioners. When the ducts become damaged or infested with pests, they can create health hazards for residents. The only way to know if you have a problem is to get an inspection from a professional.
The less efficient your ducts are, the more problems the furnace and AC will have. In order to maintain performance and efficiency, it’s critical that your heating and cooling equipment and accessories be in good condition. Duct cleaning should be done every two years as part of a routine maintenance program.
Here’s why you should be thinking about replacing ductwork before you need to replace your furnace or air conditioner. A lot can happen in 20 years.
Also check: How Can I Benefit From Duct Replacement?
When It Is Time To Replace Ductwork?
Below are the reasons we recommend replacing ductwork:
1) Age:
If your ducts are more than 15 years old, or have been damaged or improperly installed, it may be time for a replacement. Old ducts are more likely to have problems than newer duct system components because of their age and use. Older materials degrade faster than new materials due to the conditions from which they were produced.
2) Air Flow:
HVAC systems require airflow to function properly, and they will not work properly if there is no or least air moving through the ducts. All that air has to be able to get into and out of the ducts smoothly, or else it will cause your HVAC system to shut down or work inadequately. Ductwork can get damaged for several reasons, including tears and cracks in the material, improper installation, or wear and tear.
3) Energy Bills
Homeowners that want to save on their energy bills should consider having their ductwork replaced. This is a more expensive process than some people would like, but research has shown an average savings of 30% on heating and cooling costs after the new ducts have been installed.
Also check: Which Type of Metal Duct Is Better: Rigid or Flexible Aluminum?
4) Damage:
Ductwork replacement is not necessary if the sections of ducts only have holes. The deteriorated sections of ducts can be easily repaired with sealing tapes. It is necessary to repair damaged portions of ducts if they are cracked, torn, or have holes. The cost of repairing damage in deteriorated ducts depends on the extent of damage and the material used for repairs. There are many benefits to repairing deteriorated ducts instead of replacing them. Repairing damaged ducts is a less expensive alternative to replacing them completely, it also helps to improve air quality and save energy by preventing air from seeping through cracks. But if you have several deteriorated sections, you may need total replacement.
5) Moldy Odors:
A moldy odor coming from a vent every time you turn on your heat or cooling means that either there is a leak in the duct system or the insulation is not being done right. If you smell mold inside your house, it may be coming from the ducts. When the ducts are not insulated properly or there is a leak in the air ducts the temperature difference between outside and inside the ducts creates moisture within the ductwork. This makes a perfect breeding ground for mold to grow on them. The result is a musty smell coming from your vents when the heat or air conditioning is turned on.
6) Noises:
If you hear strange noises coming from your ducts or vents, it may be a sign that your system needs some attention. There are usually two reasons for this strange noise. One is that your ducts may not be the proper size for your system, while the other is that they may have holes, cracks, or leaks and need repair. In both cases, you should contact a professional HVAC company to help you out with the problem. To keep your HVAC system in good working order, it’s important to have regular maintenance. Not only do these maintenance services keep your unit up and running but also catch the issues like these before they become worst.
Conclusion:
Ductwork replacement is a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to upgrade your home. Replacing the ductwork in your home will not only improve the HVAC system in your house, but it will also aid in reducing energy bills. On average, ductwork lasts anywhere from 15 to 20 years before needing replacement. However, several factors can affect the life of your ductwork that we have discussed above.
If you need help with replacing your ductwork, our K2 Mechanical team can assist! We recommend having your heating and cooling systems inspected at least once every year by a professional technician to identify problems early on and prevent them from becoming expensive issues later on.
