Clutter is minimal when it comes to replacing ductwork. Unless your house has a flat roof, meaning ducts are very difficult to access, new ducts can usually be installed without breaking walls or ceilings. When you have the ducts installed, they will be placed where the old ones were, using the existing infrastructure. If your ducts are made of metal and have no inner lining, thorough and professional cleaning is usually the solution.
Metal ducts are the norm for newly built homes, so they should meet the requirements for good cleaning. The flimsiest ducts, such as those made of fiber or plastic, may not withstand heavy cleaning. It is important to periodically check your existing air conditioning unit for smooth operation. Air ducts can become dirty and clogged over time, reducing airflow, increasing energy bills, and worsening indoor air quality.
Duct cleaning is best left to professionals, as it requires specialized equipment and involves accessing hard-to-reach areas of the house, such as behind walls and narrow spaces. If the ducts are faulty, it can cause cooling and heating to not work properly, making the living space uncomfortable. Other disadvantages of broken ducts include airway-related diseases, increased energy bills, and unpleasant odors in the house. Fortunately, you can protect your family's health and save energy by replacing the duct system.
Here are 10 signs that your home needs new air ducts:
- Flexible ducts are usually in the shape of a tube
- They are made of a coil of wire covered with a flexible, durable plastic
- They are covered by an insulator
- Rigid ducts are usually made of galvanized steel or aluminum
- Schedule an inspection with an HVAC technician to determine if the ducts are dirty
- If you don't need to install a new air conditioning system
- If you want to replace or modify your existing duct system
- If your home's air quality is poor
- If your energy bills are increasing
- If your ducts are heavily contaminated with mold
When deciding whether to clean an air duct or replace it altogether, consider how often you use the air conditioning system, the type of ducts you have in your home, and whether you're experiencing an influx of allergens in your home. Mold is especially concerning and if your ducts are heavily contaminated with these nasty fungi, it might be time to replace them and move on. Sometimes the problem is so serious that the ducts must be completely discarded and a new one bought. A professional should be hired to replace them.
Once the air is cleaned, the ducts circulate the clean air to different parts of the room in a continuous cycle. This helps maintain good indoor air quality and keeps energy bills low. Replacing your home's air ducts can be messy but it doesn't have to be if you hire a professional who knows what they're doing. To ensure a smooth process when replacing or cleaning your air ducts, make sure you hire an experienced HVAC technician who can get the job done right.
An expert will know how to properly inspect your existing system for any signs of damage or wear-and-tear that could lead to costly repairs down the line. Replacing your home's air ducts is an important step in maintaining a healthy living environment for you and your family. It's also important for keeping energy costs low by ensuring that your HVAC system is running efficiently. If you're noticing any of these signs that indicate it's time for a replacement, don't hesitate to contact an experienced HVAC technician who can help you make sure that everything runs smoothly.
