Every home is built with infrastructure that is supposed to last anywhere between one and three decades before needing to be replaced. The water heater, HVAC, and even the roof eventually must be replaced. So it should come as no surprise that you might eventually need air duct replacement. However, most people completely forget that their ducts exist – until they are given a reason to remember them.
Something might be wrong if you have recently noticed an issue with your air ducts. Additionally, your home might need duct replacement if that is worse than just needing a cleaning and a fresh layer of tape. Depending on the age of your home, this may be completely normal.
Table of Contents
Why Air Duct Repair or Replacement is Important?
When is Duct Replacement Essential?
Our professionals can often repair air ducts by fitting the pieces back together and sealing them with foil tape. However, sometimes, it becomes necessary to fully replace a section of your air ducts or even the entire system. Necessary replacement can happen if your duct pieces are badly bent and therefore blocked or have otherwise been damaged so they can no longer maintain a clean and sealed air channel.
Complete Duct Replacement Overview
Full duct replacement occurs for two reasons. The first is when you upgrade your HVAC, which has new airflow requirements. You’ll need a full duct replacement if your ducts need to be bigger. The second is if your ducts have aged badly or have been extensively damaged. There comes a time in any repair where full replacement is the optimal choice.
Issues with Ductwork Leading to HVAC Inefficiency
Duct repair becomes necessary when your ducts can no longer channel treated air from the HVAC evenly throughout the home. If any ductwork becomes badly damaged or if the ducts no longer meet the house’s needs, you may need to replace some or all of them.
Every AC and furnace requires a certain amount of airflow, achieved by ducts of the right size. So, if our professionals cannot reseal your ducts for any reason or supply efficient operation with your current HVAC units, they may need to be replaced or repaired. Some reasons for replacement include:
- Ducts were damaged by an accident or storm
- Upgraded HVAC needs bigger ducts
- Ducts and vents do not align
- Home renovations have new duct requirements
- Ducts have warped and no longer seal
If you build an expansion onto your home or significantly remodel, you may also need to replace or add on at least some of your ductwork.
Key Indicators Your Air Ducts Need Replacement
Persistent Dust in Your Home
Excess dust in your home could be coming in through a gap in the duct. Ducts go between walls, in crawl spaces, and through attics, which are very dusty places. Through the gaps, you could be getting unfiltered dust, pollen, and unknown other particles.
Uneven Temperature Distribution
Ducts remain sealed to deliver just the right airflow pressure to every room. If there are hot and cold spots in the house, your ducts heading to the under-ventilated rooms may be damaged.
Escalating Energy Costs
Energy bills will inevitably go up when conditioned air escapes through gaps or damage in your ducts.
Loud HVAC Operation
Rattling, buzzing, or whistling from your vents can indicate loose ducts in the system where the ducts are vibrating or air is whistling through a crack.
Odors of Mold and Mildew
Mold can occur in undamaged ducts, but it is much more likely to find a hole in a duct that is open to the elements or a mold colony behind the walls.
Respiratory Health Concerns
Damaged ducts can lead to poor air quality for several reasons. If you or members of your family are experiencing respiratory problems, it could be a problem with your ducts that may require duct repair.
Schedule Your HVAC Duct Inspection with General Air
Inspecting your ductwork starts with whether you need duct repair or replacement. If you have suspicions or have even spotted the damaged duct in the crawlspace or attic, it’s time to call a duct expert.
General Air is here for all your HVAC system needs, from the AC to the vents and ductwork. Contact us today for a duct inspection, cleaning services, or duct repair and replacement to get your entire HVAC system back to optimal performance.
Image Credit: ungvar
