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.
Replacing the ducts helps eliminate contaminants and promotes healthier air throughout your home. Safety concerns associated with old or damaged ducts, such as fire hazards or backdrafting, can be addressed by replacing the ductwork and ensuring proper ventilation.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
The EPA says regular ductwork cleanings are typically unnecessary. You'll want to get your ductwork cleaned if you have mold or pests. Replace your ductwork if you have major damage or an extreme mold infestation.
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.
Another common mistake is using too small of a duct or underestimating the amount of airflow required. This can result in excessive noise and vibration, as well as decreased efficiency. If your ductwork is not properly insulated, it can cause the air temperature to fluctuate, resulting in hot or cold spots.
The Mess Is Minimal
If you don't have ducts, the spots that will see the most change are the closets and the attic, where we'll be running the ductwork. We'll have to cut a few holes in your ceiling to install vents and returns, but that's a very minor thing to do to drywall.
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.
However, most HVAC contractors use a rule of thumb to determine the number of air vents needed. For example, for a standard residential HVAC unit, you'll generally need one supply vent and one return vent for every 100 to 150 square feet of living space.
The average cost of ductwork installation is from $1,400 to $5,600. ¹ You can expect to pay $25 to $55 per linear foot. 2 No two ductwork replacement projects are identical, as every home has different requirements.
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.
Use a brush to loosen any buildup of dust in the ductwork. Lift register and insert vacuum hose as far into the piping as it can go. Turn the vacuum on to capture as much dust as possible that the fan is pushing through the ductwork.
Dirty air ducts can cause a number of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and even respiratory infections.
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.
In fact, experts recommend you replace your ductwork every 15 years or so. This is because the materials of the ductwork deteriorate over time, and when this happens it greatly impacts the performance of your HVAC system, which can lead to a reduction in your indoor air quality.
In many situations, ductwork can be replaced without ripping out walls. There are ways to access the ducts, such as through your attic or basement, without taking down any existing walls. In some instances, though, small areas of the wall may need to be removed in order to access the ducts.
A new HVAC system does not typically include ductwork unless specified. The installation of a new HVAC system generally focuses on replacing the furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump. However, if the existing ductwork is outdated or damaged, it may need replacement to ensure efficient operation and energy savings.