Signs You Need New Ductwork

Need new ductwork? Here are some signs to tell you its time.

Air ducts are often neglected when people think about their HVAC systems. Air ducts play an essential role in your home’s ventilation. Without air ducts, the HVAC unit would not be able to carry air throughout the rooms of your home. Just like regular maintenance on your HVAC unit, air ducts need attention and ongoing maintenance. Poorly fitted air ducts can cause leaks which can end up being costly over time. In this article, we’ll share provide insight on ways to tell your air ducts may need to be replaced:

What are Air Ducts and Why are they Important?

Air ducts work to pull air from various parts of your house to heat or cool the air, depending on whether you have heat or air conditioning running. They then conduct it back into other parts of your house. Therefore, if you have poorly operating air ducts or air ducts with holes, the air pressure will not be as desired. In turn, your HVAC unit will have to work doubletime to get the job done. This will increase your monthly energy bills too!

On average, air ducts have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. Air ducts are made from a combination of fiberglass and plastic. Over time, air ducts can get damaged which can cause several problems. This may make your HVAC unit not run efficiently. You may also have the problem of toxic air being pushed throughout the vents because of a build up of mold or mildew. For this reason, it is recommended not to ignore the ductwork in your home.

Ways to Tell your Air Ducts may Need to be Replaced

Noisy Operation

Some noise coming from your HVAC system when working is considered normal. However, if you notice unusually loud or strange noises, this could indicate a problem. Rattling sounds may indicate the HVAC ductwork is vibrating too much. Damaged joints in the air ducts can often be a cause of these rattling or whistling sounds. If holes are present in your air ducts, you may notice loud noises as it circulates through the ducts.

Uneven Heating & Cooling

One sign that you may need new ductwork is when you notice the rooms in your home are not getting cool or warm, as desired. If the air ducts are not working properly, it may cause them not to be able to send correct amounts of air to certain rooms in the house. It may be time for replacement air ducts if you’re noticing this type of problem.

Mold or Odors

Mold can cause dangerous health conditions for you and your family. If there is mold within the ducts of your home, it will circulate throughout the house. Every time your HVAC system is running, the mold spores will circulate. If you’ve noticed foul odors throughout the house, this may indicate the presence of mold in your air ducts. It is important to call a professional promptly, as your ducts may need to be cleaned or replaced. Not only can mold and mildew cause health problems for anyone living in the house, including your pets, it can also damage your furniture and other items over time

Respiratory Problems

Have you noticed frequent allergies, sneezing, breathing issues, coughs, or other respiratory health conditions? This may indicate that your air ducts need to be cleaned. Ductwork can build up allergens, such as pollen and dust, which have been known to cause allergies in many people.

Dents & Punctures

After performing a visual inspection of your air ducts, if you notice dents or puncture marks, this is a sign of a problem. These holes or punctures can drastically affect the functioning of your HVAC unit. A professional will be able to assess the damage and determine if they can be repaired or if you need to replace your ducts entirely.

Rising Energy Monthly Costs

Noticed your energy bills getting more and more expensive each month? If you haven’t increased your usage, and are wondering why this might be, it could be a result of poorly operating air ducts. This may indicate there are leaks or holes which are allowing air to leak out. These holes may be able to be sealed by a professional to help reduce your monthly bills.

Are you in need of an air duct inspection, cleaning, or replacement? Give us a call today at Choate’s HVAC. Our experts can come out and inspect your air ducts for holes, mold, or other problems and address them promptly.