How do I know if I need new ductwork?

Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?

“If your ductwork is over 15 years old, you probably should replace it. Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. By 15 years, however, it begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing your HVAC system's efficiency, so replacement is the prudent option.”

How do I check my ductwork?

Turn your HVAC system on and return to the areas where ductwork is accessible. Check the connections between each section of duct, placing your hand over the metal. If you feel air against your hand, the connection is loose and there is an air leak. A common place for leaks is the duct joints.

Is it worth it to replace ducts?

Yes, and Here's Why. Ductwork is a vital component of your home's comfort, air quality, and energy consumption. You should replace old ductwork as soon as possible to maintain the performance of your HVAC.

How long does ductwork last in a house?

The ductwork in most homes lasts between 10 and 15 years before problems arise. If your ducts are more than 15 years old, have them replaced before major issues such as pests, gaps, or even collapsed sections of ducts appear.

DUCTWORK - When Do I Need To Replace It?

How do I know if I have bad ductwork?

Rooms are difficult to heat or cool. Rooms seems stuffy and uncomfortable. Ductwork runs through basements, attics, crawlspaces, or garages. You notice tangled, loose, collapsed, or damaged ducts.

When should you consider replacing the duct work in your home?

Should ductwork be replaced with new AC?

The best time to replace your duct work is when you are replacing your AC unit. All contractors can easily retro fit your AC unit to your duct work. However, when you replace the whole thing you you don't handicap your new system with old duct work. Mismatched systems can be very inefficient.

How long does it take to replace ductwork?

The average ductwork installation project takes about two or three days (about 8 to 10 hours per day), so you could expect to pay for about 30 hours of labor.

How often should you replace your air ducts?

Ducts are designed to last for about 10-15 years on average. They are made from a combination of materials such as fiberglass and plastic. At some point, these ducts will get damaged. The sooner you see signs of damage and do something about it, the better.

Can ductwork leak water?

The moisture developed in your ductwork can become a source of the water leak in the ceilings, roof or walls. Even the smallest leak is critical to your home's foundation and your family's safety.

Is flex duct better than hard duct?

Flex ducts are better for existing trunk-and-branch heating and cooling systems. This is because they're more versatile and flexible. Metal ducts are more rigid due to the nature of steel, making them ideal to build an entire HVAC system.

Can I replace ductwork myself?

It is possible to install HVAC ductwork yourself, but it will require research and willingness to pay attention to detail. Be sure to educate yourself on the intricacies of the work so that you can be sure that you do not inhibit the airflow.

What can I do with old ductwork?

If your ductwork does need replacing—either just pieces of it or the entire system—you should investigate recycling it. Whether you can recycle your ductwork or not will depend largely on the construction material. Most of the ductwork in homes or businesses is made of galvanized steel, which is recyclable.

What is the most efficient ductwork?

For instance, round duct is the more efficient shape in terms of material use, resistance to airflow, and air leakage. “The tradeoff is that round duct will not always fit in the space provided. In these cases the duct is converted to rectangular or flat-oval so that it can fit the available space.

What kind of ductwork is best?

Flexible ductwork is the best type of ductwork to use in tight or awkward spaces where rigid ductwork would be too difficult to install. Because these air ducts are flexible, they can bend around fixed structures to work in almost any space.

How much does it cost to install a return air duct?

A return air drop replacement will run around $300-$400, including installation. In rare cases where a second drop needs to be added, the cost can be up to twice that amount.

Does furnace installation include ductwork?

Furnace Costs

A furnace is a separate unit from your air conditioner, but it typically uses the same ductwork for circulation and ventilation. The total cost to install a furnace can range from around $1,500 up to $9,000, depending on the type you choose.

How often should ductwork be cleaned?

According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned every three to five years, but the timing really depends on the region in which you live, how often you use your HVAC system and whether you have family members that have respiratory problems.

Do you have to open walls to replace ductwork?

Unless your home has a flat roof (which means the ducts are very difficult to access), we can usually install new ducts without ripping out walls or ceilings.

Should I replace fiberglass ductwork?

The problem with old fiberboard duct is that the fiberglass particles come loose and circulate through the house. These particles are inhaled by people in the home (or office), which is hazardous to everyone's health. When this occurs, the ductwork should either be replaced or reinsulated with safer material.

Is sealing your ducts worth it?

The importance of HVAC duct sealing can't be overstated. Having your HVAC duct-work tested and properly sealed is one of the home improvements with the highest payback. Duct sealing can lower your heating and cooling costs by 15%, 20% or more.