5 Signs Your Ductwork May Need Replaced

Many homeowners keep tabs on the age and condition of their furnace or air conditioning unit. But do you give the same attention to the condition of your ductwork? Ducting is a valuable part of the HVAC system, but it often fails to receive the attention it needs.

To help you care for your ductwork, here are a few indicators that it may need repair or replacement.

1. It's Old. Did you know that ducting has a shelf life? Generally, it is designed to last about 15 years. Old ducting that has outlived its useful life will start to have problems due to normal age-related deterioration. Connections will loosen, drafts will form, interior buildup will occur, and pests may cause unseen damage. 

2. Allergies Are a Problem. Has your family seen a rise in respiratory issues when inside the home? What about customers and employees in your office? Aging ducts and units that have experienced damage or settling often form gaps that let in bad air from outside the system. Problems delivering that filtered air to living spaces usually show up first in the form of asthma triggers, allergy issues, mold responses, or nasty smells.

3. You've Remodeled. Many home and business owners remodel their living and work spaces multiple times during the course of being in a property. But your ductwork was designed for one configuration — and if you've change that layout, you aren't get the optimal HVAC utilization. Some rooms may be too small for what's in place while other spaces may have been opened up and need better ventilation. 

4. It's Wasting Energy. Poor energy usage is a good indicator that there is a problem with the delivery system. If the furnace or air conditioner are working harder than ever but you're still feeling too cold or too warm, check the condition of the ducts that air travels through. You're likely to have air escaping or entering the ducts long before it gets to where you need it.

5. There's Visible Damage. Check out any portions of the ventilation system that you can see for yourself. Older systems or past DIY work may have been installed with poor quality materials or in unconventional ways. Breaks, kinks, tears, physical damage, and hanging materials not only may be reducing efficiency but could also be a fire or health hazard. 

Do you suspect that your ducts have one or more of these issues? The best way to find out the health of your overall system is to consult with a professional HVAC installation and maintenance service in your area. Call today for a more comfortable tomorrow.  


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