Signs That You Need Ductwork Replacement

When caring for the HVAC system, most homeowners forget about the air ducts because they are hidden. However, air ducts are a vital component of your home’s ventilation. Without them, your HVAC system cannot supply air throughout your home. And without regular checks and proper maintenance, you can easily miss out on problems with your air ducts that may need repairs. Regrettably, any damage or issues with your ductwork that is left unattended can result in serious issues, including lower efficiency and poor air quality. But how do you tell the ductwork needs replacement? Experts at Integrity Heating & Cooling are here to help.

Significance of Ductwork

Air ducts are tubes used to circulate air in your home. Your duct system plays a critical role in determining how your house gets cooled or heated and the amount of money you spend on making your home comfortable and cozy throughout the year. When working correctly, your duct system allows air to flow smoothly throughout your home, keeping you comfortable all year round. If you’re facing problems with air not reaching particular spaces in your home, you may need to call in a reputable HVAC contractor like Integrity Heating & Cooling for ductwork replacement.

Your duct system can deteriorate over time. Cracks can develop, allowing filtered air to escape in your attic and hot, unconditioned air to get in your home. In addition, even minor leaks can significantly impact the performance of your HVAC system, wasting a lot of conditioned air blowing through the system. It’s imperative to pay attention to signs of the damaged duct system to improve your comfort, protect your health, and save money. Experts at Integrity Heating & Cooling provide exceptional duct services to ensure your comfort all year round.

There are numerous problems that your ductwork may encounter. Here are a few.

Leaky Ducts

Leaks can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency up to 40%. Fortunately, Integrity Heating & Cooling can solve this problem.

Safety

Pressure imbalances caused by leaky air ducts can result in back drafting in combustion equipment like wood stoves, gas ranges, and furnaces. If this occurs, you and your loved ones can get exposed to the poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

Poorly Insulated or Uninsulated Ducts

Poorly insulated or uninsulated ducts can waste a considerable amount of energy, leading to higher energy bills. If your ductwork is not insulated, your conditioned air might not be the temperature that it should be when it gets to your vents. If you’re unsure about your insulation, our HVAC experts can evaluate it for you.

Replacing Ductwork

When it comes to getting your ductwork replaced, expertise matters. Establishing and retaining the correct air pressure is essential when performing repairs or installing new duct systems for peak efficiency and the highest comfort level and safety. Our professional tests and inspections allow our seasoned and skilled technicians to locate any issues and provide a lasting solution.

Not all ductwork issues necessitate ductwork replacement. As a licensed and trusted HVAC contractor specializing in ductwork services, we can do tests to identify the best course of action that suits your needs. There are a number of signs that you need ductwork replacement.

Cold and Hot Spots

Duct leaks can affect air pressure, resulting in insufficient or unbalanced air delivery and cold and hot spots throughout your space. In addition, leaks can reduce the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. So if your AC isn’t keeping pace with cooling your home as you desire, call your local HVAC expert.

Weird Noises

Air running through the air ducts causes your ductwork to expand and contract, resulting in the usual popping sounds. However, if you start hearing weird noises such as rattling, then it might be time to call Integrity Heating & Cooling for ductwork repair and replacement.

High Utility Bills

Leaks in your ductwork will force your HVAC system to work harder and longer than it should. If this happens, the HVAC system will consume more energy than usual, forcing you to pay more on energy bills. If energy bills have skyrocketed and you cannot account for the increase, have our HVAC experts check your ductwork for damage and determine if you need ductwork replacement.

Old Ductwork

With routine maintenance, air ducts can last for more than 10 years. So if your ductwork has hit the 10-year mark, the air ducts might have started to deteriorate, and you should not wait for it to get worse. Have them replaced before extensive issues such as gaps, pests, and collapsed duct sections begin to show.

Poor Airflow

A healthy HVAC system has good airflow. Thus, if your heating or cooling system is not circulating air as it should, there might be a problem. When your HVAC system is running, check the airflow in every room to determine if it’s supplying the same air amount. If not, call in experts from Integrity Heating & Cooling for a professional inspection.

Mold and Odors

If your HVAC spreads foul odors when it kicks on, this unpleasant odor might be telling you that your system has mold. Mold growth is terrible news and needs prompt attention. Every time you turn your unit on, it blows mold spores into every part of your home. Mold can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms and cause other respiratory infections. If you suspect mold growth in your ductwork, call Integrity Heating & Cooling immediately.

Pest Invasion

If you’ve recently noticed a rodent problem in your attic, then it might be time to replace your ductwork. Rodents chew through and even move through the ductwork.

Tangled or Damaged Ducts

Take time to inspect your duct system thoroughly. Over time, air ducts can suffer damage and wear down. Punctures and dents can impede airflow and affect temperatures. If they’re minor, you can have them repaired. But if you’ve several damaged sections, total replacement might be the only solution.

Improper Installation

When building a house, the ductwork gets laid to distribute air evenly throughout the home. If improperly installed, your entire HVAC system will not have the ability to circulate air to cool or heat your home as required, resulting in significant issues such as shorter system service life and increased energy bills. Even if your HVAC system is correctly sized, improper ductwork installation can prevent it from functioning as required. If this problem has occurred, you may need to replace your home’s duct system.

New HVAC System

If you want to replace the HVAC system, you may consider replacing the ductwork as well. New HVAC models may be incompatible with older ductwork. So have it inspected when you’re having the system replaced.

Dusty Home

Nobody wants to spend time dusting only never to get it all. If your home has become dustier than it used to be, you may require ductwork replacement. And if you notice dust coming out from the vents and onto the ceiling, that’s a sure sign.

If you’re concerned about the duct system in your Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, or Lake Norman home, don’t hesitate to call Integrity Heating & Cooling. Our technicians can help you with duct replacement and cleaning, furnace installation and heating repair, and AC service and maintenance. We’re a Trane Certified Dealer and a Lennox Premier Dealer with over 35 years of experience, so call us at your convenience or request service online.