Should 30 year old ductwork be replaced?

Author: Myah Hansen  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 19, 2025

You should replace your ductwork every 15 years because the materials deteriorate over time, impacting HVAC performance and indoor air quality.

How do I know if my ductwork needs to be replaced?

Signs That You Need Air Duct Replacement
  1. Noisy HVAC Operation. ...
  2. High Energy Bills. ...
  3. Uneven Heating or Cooling. ...
  4. Having A Dusty Home. ...
  5. Smelling Mold and Mildew in Your House. ...
  6. Having A Problem with Pests. ...
  7. Having Respiratory Problems. ...
  8. Seeing Debris Around The Vents.

What is the lifespan of ductwork?

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.

How often should I replace my ductwork?

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.

How much should it cost to replace ductwork?

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.

3 HVAC Ductwork ISSUES Homeowners NEED To Know!

Does homeowners insurance cover ductwork?

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?

Should I replace ductwork in old house?

If you live in an older home with an original duct system, it's likely past due for replacement. Typically, duct systems have a lifespan of around 20-25 years, after which they may deteriorate, develop leaks, or accumulate dust and allergens.

How do I know if I have bad ductwork?

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.

What happens if you don't replace ductwork?

When your ductwork is damaged, old, filthy, or clogged in any way, your home is likely to suffer the consequences- high energy bills and discomfort. If you notice your HVAC system's airflow depleting or straining, it may be time for a replacement. Indoor air quality (IAQ) has a direct impact on your health and comfort.

Does replacing ductwork increase home value?

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.

How long does it take to replace ductwork in a house?

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.

Can bad ductwork make you sick?

Dirty air ducts can cause a number of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and even respiratory infections.

How can I tell how old my ductwork is?

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.

Is replacing ductwork messy?

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.

How do you test ductwork?

Pressure pan test

With the house pressurized (or depressurized) to 50 Pa (-50 Pa) using a blower door, a pressure gauge is attached to the pressure pan by means of a hose. If the pressure difference is near zero, this indicates that the ductwork associated with that particular register is not connected to the outside.

How much does it cost to check for duct leaks?

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.

What is the cost to replace ductwork?

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.

What is the life expectancy of ductwork?

Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. By 15 years, however, it begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing your HVAC system's efficiency, so replacement is the prudent option.”

How do I know if my air ducts need to be replaced?

Signs that it's Time to Get your Ductwork Replaced
  1. Your Indoor Air Quality Is Suffering. ...
  2. You Hear a Lot of Noise When Your Unit Is On. ...
  3. Your Energy Bills Are Continuing to Rise. ...
  4. Your Home Isn't Evenly Heated or Cooled. ...
  5. Your Home Has a Growing Pest Problem. ...
  6. Your Air Ducts Haven't Been Replaced In Years.

Should old ductwork be replaced?

You should replace your ductwork every 15 years because the materials deteriorate over time, impacting HVAC performance and indoor air quality.

How often should ducts be cleaned?

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.

What is a common mistake in ductwork installation?

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.

Is it better to clean or replace air ducts?

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.

How long does it take to replace HVAC ductwork?

What Is The Average Ductwork Replacement Length? On average, ductwork projects can take between one and four days to complete.

Do you have to tear out walls to replace ductwork?

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.

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