My husband and I have spent a lot of time consulting with an architect. After living in our cramped, starter home for the past 11 years, we were finally ready to make some needed changes to it. We have added an extra 600 square feet of space onto our house. Before the construction began, we finalized the plans for our new heating and air conditioning unit with our HVAC contractor. Because our home was going to be substantially bigger than it is now, we purchased a larger HVAC system. We also installed a new, digital thermostat inside my home. On this blog, I hope you will discover the best types of HVAC units to buy for mid-size homes. Enjoy!
Does your HVAC system need an air duct replacement service? Whether your ducts are old, worn, or damaged, take a look at what you need to know about repairs, replacements, and your HVAC system.
How Long Do Air Ducts Last?
While age isn't the only predictor of the need for replacement, it is a major factor. Air ducts could have a 60 to 100-year lifespan, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). But this doesn't mean your ducts will last for a full century.
The life of your air ducts depends on the quality of the material, installation, use, and maintenance. Poorly maintained air ducts could fail prematurely. The same goes for low-quality ducts or a system that suffers from installation-related issues.
How Do You Know When To Replace Air Ducts?
Noticeable damage or wear are primary indicators of the need for an HVAC duct replacement. If you see cracks or holes in the ducts, the joints are loose, there are gaps in between joints, or some sections won't stay in place, it's time for a replacement service.
Along with obvious signs of wear and damage, your system may need a duct replacement if this HVAC component reduces the overall efficiency. Breaks or gaps in ducts can cause leaks that reduce the amount of warm or cool air that goes from the main unit to your home's interior. This forces the system to work harder and increases energy usage.
You may not see or feel the effects of a low-efficiency HVAC system. Instead, you will need to use your home's utility bills. Higher energy needs and output will cause electricity, natural gas, or other fuel bills to rise. Before you assume the ducts are the cause of low HVAC efficiency, ask a qualified contractor to inspect the system for other potential problems.
Do High Energy Bills Always Require a Duct Replacement?
Simply stated, no. Again, there are other system-wide issues that can result in increased energy use. A failing thermostat, refrigerant leak, poorly sized system, clogged filter, clogged vents, and other HVAC problems can affect the energy the system needs and your utility bills.
If the rest of your system is problem-free, it's possible the air ducts are at fault. But this doesn't always equal the need for a replacement. An HVAC professional can inspect the ducts for leaks, damage, and wear. Clogged ducts are a common problem that can slow down your system and lead to poor heating/cooling (and uncomfortable indoor environment), reduced indoor air quality, high energy use, and increased utility bills.
Even though clogged air ducts are a problem, this HVAC issue won't require a replacement, Instead, the contractor may recommend a cleaning service. After the ducts are free of debris, they should work properly.
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