Most homes begin to experience problems with the ductwork after 10 years. If your ductwork is more than 15 years old, it is likely time to replace it. Older ductwork can experience leaks, collapse and other problems that lead to poor performance of your central air system.
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.
They should be replaced after 15-20 years. Replacing the vents will help improve air quality, increase comfort and maintain the system's efficiency.
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.
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?
Duct Replacement Cost by Home Size
Larger homes require more materials and labor to replace the entire duct system. On average, the cost ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 for a small to medium-sized 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.
Understanding the difference between air ducts and air vents is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient HVAC system. Air ducts serve as the pathway for conditioned air, while air vents are the visible outlets that control airflow into the living spaces.
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.
Visible damage or problems
Look for cracks and gaps in the joints, seams, and connections of your ductwork. Holes in these areas increase air loss, higher energy consumption, and draw in dust, pollen, and other particles.
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.
Steadily climbing energy bills indicate that there is a leak or a block in your ductwork. In either case, you should call a professional and consider the possibility of replacing your ductwork. Poor temperature control within the rooms of your home, as well as hard-to-breath air, are both indications of dirty ductwork.
The Average Cost of Replacing Air Ducts in a Crawl Space
The cost of adding new ductwork to a crawl space generally ranges in price from $3,000 to $6,000, including materials and labor.
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.
OLD HOME, OLD DUCTS
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.
Homeowners should also be aware that air conditioning vents typically need replacement every 15-20 years, as they can become damaged or inefficient over time. Replacing worn-out vents can lead to improved air quality, increased comfort, and energy savings, making it a worthwhile investment.
If you have wall vents of standard sizes, it's a good idea to replace them once or twice a year. These covers are easily available and affordable. If your ceiling vent covers have already lasted 15 to 20 years, it's recommended that you replace them for better HVAC performance and air quality.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $150 per vent for replacement, depending on the abovementioned factors. Trained technician vent replacements, such as simple plastic floor vents, may be on the lower end of this range, while custom metal or wood vents can be on the higher end.
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.
HVAC and home insurance
A homeowners policy may cover your HVAC in two ways: either through the dwelling coverage or the personal property coverage on your policy. Dwelling coverage may help pay to repair or replace a built-in unit since it's considered part of the home's structure.
Residential ductwork often has double the lifespan of traditional air conditioners and requires a replacement every 30 years. Since most people replace their AC units every 15 years, it's best to consider replacing the ductwork at the same time to ensure superior performance.
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.