It depends. If you haven’t been actively maintaining them, then chances are you need some sort of work done on your air ducts. If they’ve been neglected for too long, they should probably be replaced—or at least repaired.
This guide will walk through the most common tell-tale signs that you need an air duct replacement. Then, we’ll go over what repair, replacement, and maintenance entails.
Let’s get started!
Signs You Might Need a New Air Duct
Although air ducts play an important role in your home, they often take a backseat to other maintenance and repair concerns. But faulty ducts have negative impacts that are hard to miss.
Here are the most common signs that you need air duct repair or replacement:
#1 Hot Spots, Cold Zones
Have you noticed uneven temperatures across different rooms in your home?
This is one of the first signs that there may be something wrong with your air ducts. If a room is not becoming as cool or as warm as it should be, there is likely a problem with airflow in your existing ducts.
When air is not getting to where it needs to be, or is coming in unevenly, you can experience differences in temperature even within a given room.
#2 Poor Indoor Air Quality
Besides issues with temperature, there are other climate factors that indicate you may need to repair or replace your existing air ducts.
The following are all potential indicators of duct-related problems:
- Respiratory issues, like sneezing or difficulty breathing
- Excess dust, pollen, and other airborne particles
- Potentially dangerous mold and mildew
If you notice these or other declines in air quality throughout your home, it may be time to call in a professional.
#3 Escalating Energy and Utility Bills
If you notice an upward spike in your energy and utility bills, you might be dealing with a duct problem.
Specifically, damaged air ducts can drain resources by working harder than they should. Duct leaks and blockages cause them to pull and push more air than necessary to reach a desired temperature. That inefficiency and extra work then translates into extra dollars spent on electricity.
#4 Visibly Damaged Ductwork
Besides the more insidious issues detailed above, some of the surest signs you need duct repair or replacement are visual.
If you see any of the following, call a professional:
- Rips or tears
- Gaps and openings
- Crushed portions of ducts
- Kinks and twists in the ductwork
These are the most obvious signs. But it’s important to know that any physical defects you see are likely directly responsible for some of the other issues noted above.
If you’re asking do I need air duct replacement?, you’re likely dealing with one or more of these issues already. And if that’s the case, you shouldn’t wait to repair or replace your ducts.
Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance
Air ducts are unsung heroes. When working properly, they’re the reason that you enjoy comfortable temperatures and clean air throughout your home.
Out of the spotlight, they also get neglected over time.
All of the issues above are normal, and they will eventually impact all air ducts over time. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t address them when they crop up.
Repair and Replacement
Some of the issues detailed above are due to relatively small problems that can be remedied with repair. Others necessitate a full-scale removal and replacement.
In either case, the process is nearly identical:
- Thorough cleaning and in-depth inspection to identify all problem areas
- Removal of any problematic pieces or sections of ductwork
- Replacement of all removed or damaged pieces
The difference between repair and replacement is one of scale.
If it’s just one particular piece of otherwise perfect ductwork that’s giving you trouble, there’s no need to replace the whole system. Conversely, if the entire duct system has been compromised, your best bet may be starting from scratch.
Maintenance
Once your air ducts have been repaired or replaced, it’s imperative to engage in regular maintenance to prolong their lifespan—and forestall further repair work.
That regular maintenance should comprise:
- Cleaning out debris
- Installing adequate insulation
- Checking and reinforcing joints and connections
These procedures can push back the eventual repair or replacement work all ducts will eventually need. But when it is time for that work to be done, you know who to call.
Air Duct Replacement Made Simple
At Attic Construction, we’ve spent the last decade servicing air ducts, insulation, and all attic needs in southern California. We know southern California houses like the backs of our hands, and we use that knowledge to keep your homes beautiful and functional.
We’re your first and best option for all your air duct needs.
Get in touch for a free inspection with absolutely no strings attached! If we do find that your ducts could use some work, we’ll give you $300 dollars off the price of the job.
Sources:
- Hiller. Signs You Need Air Duct Replacement. https://happyhiller.com/blog/signs-you-need-air-duct-replacement/
- Pippin Brothers. 6 Most Common Duct Problems In Your Home. https://www.pippinbrothers.com/blog/article/6_most_common_duct_problems_in_your_home