8 Signs You Need Air Ducts Replacement or Modification

Your air duct is probably the last thing you think about, but it is an essential part of your home’s air quality. Because they are hidden, they are usually forgotten, but they also need maintenance, attention, and even occasional replacement.

But how do you know it’s time for air ducts replacement? After all, you never see them to make a physical examination. In this article, we’ll share 8 common ways you can tell that your air ducts need replacement.

8 Signs You Need Air Ducts Replacement

Here are 8 telltale signs your HVAC system needs air ducts replacement or modification.

Age

Air ducts can last up to 10 years if you’re careful with them, but over time, their components, such as the seals and joints, become susceptible to deterioration. Wear and tear of your air duct can result in higher energy costs, poorer air quality, and inconsistent temperature. It is important to check your air ducts every 10 years and plan for a replacement after inspection. Also, remember that newer duct designs come with improved designs that improve efficiency and durability, saving you even more in maintenance and energy bills.

Inconsistent temperatures

When you notice that some rooms are consistently too hot or too cold no matter how much you adjust the thermostat, it could be a sign that your ducts have developed leaks and gaps, leading to temperature inconsistency. You can check your air filter to see if it is full, as a clogged air filter can restrict an HVAC system’s performance. If that doesn’t improve the situation, then your ducts likely need a change.

Higher energy bills

If your energy bills are higher than usual and climbing despite your best efforts to conserve them, your ducts might be the culprit. Leaky ducts cause your HVAC system to work harder to provide the desired temperature to each part of your house. This leads to a spike in energy bills and is a sign you should schedule an appointment with an expert to replace or modify your HVAC system.

Pest infestations

Pests and rodents can get into your home through poorly fixed or sealed ducts. If you repeatedly encounter rodents, it’s a sign you should inspect your ducts. Air ducts with proper seals can prevent pests from getting into your home through the HVAC system.

Molds and odors

Are family members having intense allergic reactions whenever they’re home? If yes, then you should call in a NACDA-certified professional to check your ducts for mold growth. Mold is a severe problem that spreads around your house any time you turn on your HVAC system. If your system also emits strong odors, you should consider replacing the ducts. While cleaning them may be helpful, full replacements are a better option.

Dents

If you can visibly see dents and punctures in your ductwork, you should call a professional to replace them immediately. Dents can drastically affect the efficiency of your system and interfere with your home’s cooling or heating. A Tie360 technician is fully capable of assessing whether you would benefit from a full replacement or repairs.

Noisy ducts

When your ducts become clogged with dust and debris, the components begin to clash, which is a great sign that you should consider thorough duct cleaning or a complete replacement. 

Improper ductwork installation

If your ductwork was not properly installed the first time, it could be the reason for air loss due to parts not lapping properly. A poor choice of design could even worsen the installation, even if it’s a new HVAC unit. A design that is not properly aligned with the corners of your home can be the reason for energy loss. This is a sign you should replace your ductwork with parts that are perfect for your home build.

Factors to consider when deciding to replace your ductwork

Several factors can impact your decision to replace your ductwork. Here are some essential things to help you decide:

New HVAC compatibility

Ensure that your existing ductwork is compatible with your HVAC system. If it is, there might be no need for a replacement. Size and airflow capacity are two major factors that determine if ductwork suits an HVAC system. If your ductwork is narrower and made with low-quality materials, using it with a brand-new, high-quality HVAC system can damage the duct and cause even worse problems.

Budget

While replacing ductwork can save you some cash in the future, it is important to pay attention to the immediate expenses you might incur from the project. Replacing your ductwork can prove to be a long-term cost-saving option if it is already deteriorating and inefficient. 

Future remodeling plans

If remodeling is already on your list of future projects, replacing the ductwork when installing a new HVAC system may be beneficial. This ensures better integration and efficiency while affecting future changes to your home’s outlook.

Is replacing your ductwork worth it?

Replacing your ductwork is worth it and offers several advantages:

Improved efficiency

New ducts are free of congestants like dust and debris which allows your HVAC system to work more efficiently. With new ducts, clean air can travel to different parts of your home without restrictions, ensuring consistent temperatures in every part of the house.

Enhanced air quality

New ducts are free of mold and other allergens that can aggravate allergic reactions and even cause serious respiratory issues. Replacing your ducts can be the factor that determines better health among house occupants.

Reduced utility bills

After replacing your ducts, your HVAC system does not have to work too hard to move air to any part of your home. With properly sealed ducts, there are fewer chances of your system losing air, leading to a significant drop in energy bills.

Can I repair air ducts myself?

Yes, you can repair your air ducts yourself, but you shouldn’t. The job comes with many hazards that you are not fully equipped to handle. Thus, you should leave this to a professional technician. Doing this task yourself isn’t recommended for some reasons: 

Faulty repairs can waste energy

While you can learn just about anything on the internet, some tasks should be left to professionals due to their in-depth study of the system’s intricacies. Apart from education, their years of experience make up for whatever knowledge is not available on the internet. Attempting to fix your ducts yourself can cause more problems and even lead to more energy waste.

Higher risk of injury

Trained professionals are suited with the safety equipment needed to protect themselves from hazards. You are more ill-prepared to handle sudden accidents and more likely to suffer more serious accidents because you simply lack experience.

When you hire a Tie360 professional, you can have peace of mind knowing that we understand the intricacies of ductwork and will ensure that each component is fixed properly with minimal risk. By simply contacting one of our professionals, you can save a ton in energy bills and boost your savings.

FAQs

What type of air duct is best

Sheet metal ducts are the most energy-efficient because of their durability. Galvanized steel is a great material for ducts as it is non-porous.

Is it hard to replace ducts?

Ductwork replacement can be a complex process and can be costly. However, if it is absolutely necessary, it is more prudent to take on the project.

Wrapping Up

Air ducts are an essential part of a HVAC system and it is importamt to make sure they undergo regularly duct cleaning and maintenance. Ignoring the state of your ducts can cost you money, your health and even comfort.

With the signs listed in this article, you should be able to tell when you need to call in a ties360 professional to assess your ductwork and replace it.