Five Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Air Ducts
You probably don’t think about your air ducts until you experience problems with them. When you do notice something wrong, how do you know if it’s time to replace them? Here are five signs.
1. Your Bills are Way Too High
If your energy bills are much higher than normal, it could be a sign that there are leaks in your air ducts. Over time, seals can become loose, gaps can widen and parts can deteriorate in your system.
Leaks are the biggest reason your bills will start to soar. If you suspect you have a leaking duct, ask a professional to run a blower test. If the leak is small, you can repair it with sealant. If it’s beyond repair, consult the pro professional about a duct replacement.
Replacing your air ducts conserves energy and allows your home to operate more sustainably. That’s better for the environment and better for your budget.
2. Dust and Pollen are Invading Your Home
Poorly working ducts can irritate chronic respiratory illnesses. They allow large quantities of pollen, dander and dust mites to invade your home. Dust mites have been associated with asthma in children and other vulnerable populations.
If anyone in your home has these conditions, you’ll recognize the signs right away:
- Red, watery eyes
- Coughing and sneezing
- Stuffy noses
- Itching, irritated skin
In some cases, a professional air duct cleaning can improve your air quality. If it doesn’t, you need to replace those ducts.
3. Your Ductwork is Old
Ductwork doesn’t last forever. In most cases, you need to fully replace the duct and ventilation system every 10 to 15 years.
It’s almost impossible to repair old ductwork that’s showing gaps and leaking. If yours has seen its best years already, it’s time to take it out and put in a new system.
4. The Temperature Jumps Around
Is the temperature in your home or commercial building jumping from hot to cold and back? Do some rooms stay warmer or colder than others? If you can’t count on comfortable temperatures in your home or business, you need to determine what the problem is.
Start with a professional inspection of your heating or air conditioning system. If it turns out that the ductwork is the culprit, an experienced HVAC pro will discuss your options.
5. Your Maintenance isn’t Working
Do you know how to maintain your ducts and your HVAC system? There are steps you can and should take to keep it in good running condition:
- Replace the filters
- Vacuum the air vents
- Clear brush and debris from the outside unit
- Get professional air duct cleaning
If following these tips still leaves you with lots of dust, uneven temperatures, high bills and more, it’s time to consider a replacement.
Is it Time to Replace Your Air Ducts?
If your bills are high, your house is dusty or you have poor indoor air quality, it might be time to replace your air ducts. Contact RR Electric Heating & Air at for everything related to your HVAC system and air ducts.
