Understanding when to replace the ductwork in your Bountiful, UT home can help you ensure energy efficiency, healthy indoor air quality, and comfort. There are several signs that indicate it’s time for ductwork replacement. On average, ductwork lasts 15 to 25 years, but damage can occur because of wear and tear around the 15-year mark. Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators can provide you with professional inspection and recommendations.
Rising Monthly Energy Bills
We recommend monitoring the amount of energy you’re using each month and what it costs you. You can find this information on the bill you receive from your energy provider. If you notice the amounts are steadily increasing over time, air may be escaping out of your ductwork, resulting in your HVAC system running more frequently to heat or cool your home. This can lead to premature wear and tear on your air conditioner and furnace, requiring frequent repairs or replacement.
Experiencing Inconsistent Interior Temperatures
If your home has hot and cold spots, this may be the result of damaged ducting. Ample airflow may not be occurring in all your living spaces due to air escaping before it reaches its intended destination. It’s also important that your ductwork is installed correctly. Not having enough ducting in place or having it installed incorrectly can result in air loss.
Bad Smells Coming From Vents
You may have mold or mildew in your ductwork if you are noticing musty smells coming from your vents while your HVAC system is running. Damaged ductwork can allow moisture to accumulate and cause mold growth and corrosion. Pests can enter ductwork through open spaces, leaving behind smelly waste material. This impacts comfort but also the safety of your home.
It’s important to work with a professional to address mold in your home. Allowing it to spread throughout your HVAC system and into various rooms in your home can lead to widespread microbial growth. Mold can cause allergies, asthma, respiratory issues, fatigue, and chronic headaches. While we can perform a duct cleaning to remove particulate matter and contaminants from your ducting, it may be necessary to replace your ductwork if mold growth is widespread.
You should maintain a level of relative humidity in the home that is between 35% and 50%. If humidity rises further, this promotes the growth of mold. High humidity can also impact home comfort because humid air tends to feel very warm and stuffy.
Dirty Surfaces in the Home
If you’re frequently wiping down surfaces in your home and they’re quickly getting dirty again, your ducts may be circulating a lot of particulate matter throughout your residence. If you replace old ducting with new material, this can create a tighter system that prevents allergens and contaminants from impacting your indoor air quality.
Visible Corrosion, Rust, or Damage
You can visually examine accessible ductwork to see if it’s showing any signs of damage or corrosion on the exterior. We can perform a more thorough inspection, including the interior of your ductwork, using specialized camera equipment. If damage is confined to a small area, we can replace that portion of your ducting. If damage covers a much larger portion of your ductwork, it may be necessary to have most of your ductwork replaced.
Loud Noises During HVAC Operation
It’s common to hear the startup of your heating or cooling equipment or a low hum while your system is in use. However, you shouldn’t hear loud rattling or whistling sounds. This can indicate there is damaged ductwork that is expanding and contracting while air is passing through. Small holes or cracks can produce those whistling sounds.
You can address small amounts of damage by having your ductwork sealed every few years. This process uses special products made from substances like oil-based compounds, silicone sealants, or polyurethane-based sealants. We can talk with you to determine which product is best for your home.
Considering Poor HVAC Performance
You may blame your heating or cooling equipment for a home that never seems to feel comfortable. However, your ductwork may be the real issue. Replacing worn-out ducting can improve system performance, not to mention eliminate strain placed on your HVAC equipment. We can also ensure that you have ductwork running in the correct spots and that there is enough ductwork to move conditioned air where it needs to be.
Thinking About Ductwork Insulation
Many homeowners choose to invest in insulation around their ductwork. Insulation can help keep conditioned air at a comfortable temperature until it has the opportunity to reach specific areas of your home. This is especially beneficial if you have a lot of ductwork in a large home.
Areas that are far away from your furnace or air conditioner may feel less comfortable than the rest of your home. This can also help you save money on your monthly energy bills by reducing the amount of time that your HVAC system needs to run. There may even be tax rebates and incentives if you invest in insulation for your ductwork.
The Process of Replacing Ductwork
The ductwork service process begins with an assessment of your current ductwork. If we determine that it needs to be replaced, we will come up with a design for your new ducting. It’s ideal to minimize the number of bends that are parts of your design layout. This helps improve airflow efficiency and reduces energy costs. Old ductwork is then removed, disconnecting everything from your HVAC equipment. This includes fasteners and supports.
We pay close attention to several aspects of new ductwork installation. For example, it’s important that your ductwork is level and secure. This will prevent movement of your ducting and reduce potential noise. We will seal connecting joints to prevent air from leaking out.
Once the installation process is complete, we will inspect your new ductwork for air leaks. We will measure the airflow in different rooms to ensure that you’re able to maintain consistent comfort throughout your residence.
When Is It Ok to Avoid Ductwork Replacement?
Investing in new ductwork can be an expensive undertaking. Not to mention, this process can be disruptive to your home if we need to gain access to ductwork in walls or ceilings. There are several instances where it may not be time to replace your ductwork. If you have minimal damage to your ductwork, replacing or repairing small sections may be an option.
Having ducts cleaned, sealed, or insulated may provide you with enough support for comfort and efficiency. If you’re not experiencing a significant amount of energy loss, we can work with you to determine the best course of action.
At Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators, we encourage you to have an inspection of your ductwork. We will check for signs of damage, corrosion, and installation issues. Our goal is to help you maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. We also perform routine duct cleaning, install new ductwork, and provide indoor air quality support.
Reach out to our team at Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators in Bountiful today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
