What is the life expectancy of fiberglass ductwork?

Author: Nyah Collier  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Fiberglass Duct Board Another benefit is that it is lightweight, making installation easier. It helps keep the air temperature uniform throughout the system and has high thermal performance as well. When installed and cared for correctly, fiberglass duct board has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

How long does fiberglass ductwork last?

The materials used in your ductwork can significantly impact its lifespan. For instance, metal ductwork can deteriorate over time due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to leaks from seams that are pulled apart. On the other hand, fiberglass ductwork shows signs of aging after just 10-15 years.

Should fiberglass ducts be replaced?

It may require replacement after 10-20 years. Fiberglass ductwork has become less common due to concerns about its potential to deteriorate and release fiberglass particles into the air.

Should 30 year old ductwork be replaced?

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.

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 long should ductwork last? All you need to know!

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.

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.

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?

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.

Should ducts be cleaned or replaced?

EPA does not recommend that the air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed. EPA does, however, recommend that if you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, they be inspected for proper functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

What is the problem with fiberboard ductwork?

The biggest issue with fiberboard is that the inside surfaces of the ducts are somewhat rough. This means that fiberboard ducts will trap much more dust and debris, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. Fiberboard ducts are also much more difficult to clean compared to sheet metal.

Is it safe to clean fiberglass ducts?

Fiberglass or any other insulation material that is wet or visibly moldy should be removed and replaced by a qualified HVAC system contractor. The same action should be taken if an unacceptable odor is present. Steam cleaning, or other methods involving moisture, should not be used on any kind of ductwork.

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.

Is fiberglass ductwork still used?

Fiberglass (fibrous glass or glass wool) internal duct liner has been used as acoustical and thermal insulation in many Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) complaints may arise when the fiberglass internal duct liner deteriorates over time.

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.

How long does fiberglass last for?

If the fiberglass insulation is of good quality, installed correctly, and not disturbed, you can expect it to have the same lifetime as the building itself — usually 60+ years.

Can bad ductwork make you sick?

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

Is it worth replacing ductwork?

One common benefit of ductwork replacement is an increased efficiency in the operation of your HVAC system. Old ductwork can become cracked, dirty, and compromised, leading to your HVAC machinery having to work harder than necessary to heat or cool your home.

How often should you clean your ducts in your house?

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 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.

Will a home warranty replace ductwork?

If you notice unusually high utility bills, lack of air from your vents, or unusual sounds from the air ducts, you might have a ductwork problem. Does a home warranty cover ductwork? Yes, it does.

How much does a new HVAC system cost?

According to HomeGuide.com, the average cost to replace the HVAC units is $5,000 to $11,000; to replace the units with ductwork runs between $7,000 and $16,000 in total.

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.

How much is a HVAC system for a 2000 sq ft house?

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.

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.”

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