Just like any other equipment, the ductwork system also gets old. Over time, the joints, seals, and seams may weaken and malfunction. As the ductwork deteriorates, it can lead to reduced comfort and increased energy costs. To prevent these problems, you need to replace your ductwork after every 10 years.
Duct replacement costs typically range from around $20–$60 per linear foot, based on our team's market research. For example, if your home has 100 feet of ductwork, a complete replacement can cost between $2,000 and $6,000.
Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years, and starts to deteriorate around year 15. If your ductwork is more than 15 years old, you may need to have the ductwork inspected to see if it is time to replace it. If it is older than 25 years, you almost certainly need to replace the ductwork.
Visible Damage
Over time, ducts may develop holes and cracks, resulting in a loss of conditioned air. While minor damage can be repaired, extensive damage in ductwork over 15 years old may warrant duct replacement.
Your homeowner's insurance won't cover cleaning, repairing or replacing your ductwork. What does a home warranty cover when it comes to AC units and ductwork?
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Old, worn-out ducts can harbor dust, mold, and other contaminants that are then circulated throughout your living spaces. Replacing your ducts can help alleviate these IAQ issues and promote a healthier indoor environment.
But if you notice a bad odor once you turn on the system, there might be a problem with your ductwork. Similarly, a lot of dust in your house indicates that your ductwork is damaged and dirty. Broken ductwork plays a major role in restricting clean air from flowing throughout your home.
However, DIY ventilation replacement is a task you should leave to an HVAC expert. Doing this task on your own isn't recommended because: Faulty installation will waste energy. Air leaks can cause your utility bills to rise.
Yes, installing a new HVAC system can increase your home value by 5% to 7% with a return on investment (ROI) of about 30%. This projected increase is especially true if you replace your current setup with an energy-efficient system, providing additional benefits to future buyers in the long run.
The time it takes to replace air ducts in a house depends on the size of your home and the complexity of the duct system. Most residential jobs can be completed within one to two days. During our initial assessment, we'll provide a more accurate timeline based on your specific situation.
How much does a new HVAC system cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. home? The costs range from $6,224 to $11,434, depending on the system type and installation requirements. Key factors include system size, type, efficiency, and local labor rates.
Experts advise having your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start. However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average.
If the ducts aren't performing as well and you're seeing higher energy costs, a cleaning may not be worth it. In this case, you may want to consider duct replacement. Cleaning isn't going to help if the seams in the ducts have gaps, causing you to lose climate-controlled air.
Duct Replacement Cost by Home Size
On average, the cost ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 for a small to medium-sized home. However, duct replacement can run as low as $1,400 for smaller homes and as high as $9,000 for larger homes.
Finding the Manufacturer Date on Your Commercial HVAC
Sometimes the manufacturer birthdate will be listed as MFR DATE. If that is the case, then you know the age of the equipment. If the MFR DATE isn't listed then look at the model and serial number that is given specifically for each piece of equipment.
While your homeowner's insurance doesn't cover ductwork itself, if a fire were to happen in your home and it is determined to be caused by blocked or clogged ductwork, your claim could be denied.
However, inadequate ductwork can significantly hinder the AC unit's performance, making it difficult to cool your home during the dog days of summer. Many HVAC technicians recommend installing new ductwork after replacing your air conditioner to ensure optimal efficiency and even air distribution.
Key Takeaways. Ductwork typically requires replacement every 10-15 years, and delaying this can compromise airflow and energy efficiency. Visible and subtle signs, including excessive dust, strange noises, and increases in energy bills, can indicate deteriorating ductwork that needs repair or replacement.
If you see dust and dirt both inside and outside — especially by the vents that blow cool air out — your ducts most likely need to be cleaned. To prevent future dust buildup, make sure you replace your HVAC system air filters frequently. You can also run an air purifier.
Dirty air ducts can cause a number of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and even respiratory infections.
The ductwork project takes between 1 to 4 days. The ductwork is mostly impacted by the size of the project. If there are no unexpected challenges, then the system will take only a few days to install. In some cases, the installation can be completed in one day.
The average duct leakage test costs $325, though most homeowners spend between $115 and $450 depending on home size and ductwork accessibility. However, several other factors can influence what you'll pay.
In residential applications, HVAC air ducts have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. With moderate use and diligent maintenance, some ductwork can last as long as 25 years.