Depending on the age of your home, and the type of ductwork you have, it may be time to re-evaluate your current installation. If you have solid ducts and notice any of these signs, it may be worthwhile to weigh all the options for cleaning, repair, or replacement. Consider the cost of cleaning, sealing, and possibly re-supporting the old ducts in comparison to putting in new ductwork. If you already have flexible ductwork, it may be as easy to replace the system as to try to seal the current ducts.
When To Replace Ductwork
- Inconsistent temperatures through the home. The thing that usually grabs the attention of the homeowner is the change in temperatures from one area of the home to another. If you are starting to kick the furnace on for those chilly nights, and still find that the family room is cold, it is time to investigate the cause. Lost air between the furnace and the family room could be due to several causes, but the easiest ones to look for are obvious leaks at joints or holes.
- The furnace or air conditioner cycles more frequently. If the furnace just shut off, and is suddenly back on again, then it is time to check the ductwork. If the airflow has changed, the furnace may be cycling more to keep the temperature consistent.
- There is a strong musty odor throughout your property similar to mold or mildew. If moisture becomes stuck in the ductwork, mold can begin to grow and spread throughout the air ducts. This issue is not only unpleasant but can be hazardous to your health.
- The level of airflow circulating has decreased. While this problem can be caused by a number of factors related to your HVAC system, your air ducts can also be the culprit. Several duct-related issues such as leaks, excessive damage, incorrectly sized or obstructed ducts can all contribute to a lessened airflow.
- An excessive amount of dust throughout the home. If your air ducts are damaged, the possibility of a leak developing increases. When this happens dust, dirt, and other particles can more easily access the ducts which will then allow the debris to be pushed into your home. Dirty ducts that have rarely been cleaned can also contribute to this problem.
- Unusual rattling or clanging noises coming from the ductwork. This is usually a sign that the air ducts have loosened or separated. This can typically be resolved by sealing or securing the connection between the ductwork
Ready To Resolve All Your Air Duct Issues
While some of these issues can be resolved with a simple repair or cleaning, others may indicate the need for a replacement. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician from Daycool Heating & Air is the best way to determine the current condition of your ductwork. Our team will be able to evaluate your air ducts to see what is causing the problems and what the next step should be – whether it be a repair, cleaning, sealing, or replacement. Reach out to our technicians today to learn more.