Much like furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners, HVAC air ducts have finite lifespans. Constantly subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations and strong air forces, HVAC ducting experiences ongoing expansion and contraction that gradually wears it down. Common problems, like pest infestations and jarring events, can take a toll as well. Fortunately, there are 10 ways to know when it’s time to replace the ducting in your Louisville, KY home.
1. Advanced Age
On average, HVAC air ducts last between 10 and 15 years. However, some ducting can last as long as 25 years. The lifespan of ducting closely matches that of most furnaces, heat pumps, and ACs. Thus, many homeowners choose to replace their air ducts when installing new HVAC equipment. When possible, scheduling air duct replacement at the same time as heater or AC installation optimizes overall HVAC performance. During these combination projects, our technicians can streamline new air ducts to perfectly suit the demands of new models.
2. Excess Noise During HVAC Operation
When you first turn your heater on for the winter season, hot air rushes through cold ducting and causes it to expand. In the summer, the first blast of icy air that moves through this network will cause your ducting to contract. These temperature-related movements gradually loosen duct connections. They can also cause banging, clanging, and rattling sounds.
When air ducts develop perforations or other air leaks, you may even hear whistling noises. Built-up debris and other age-related problems can also cause disruptive sounds during HVAC operation, too. Replacing old, leaky air ducts will allow you to fully enjoy the nearly whisper-quiet operation that your new AC, heat pump, or furnace supplies.
3. Visible Structural Damage
Take a look at the exposed ducting in your home. You’ll likely find visible air ducts in your basement, attic, laundry room, or garage. If these sections look dented, perforated, crushed, or sagging, the ducting behind your walls probably looks worse for wear, too. Exposed ducting is more vulnerable to impact-related damage caused by falling ladders, hastily moved furnishings, and heavy tools. But the ducting behind your walls is also subject to structural damage from pests, internal static pressure, temperature changes, and more.
4. Mold and Mildew Problems
Although replacing mildew-ridden ducting won’t get rid of mold in other areas, it will stop your HVAC system from circulating the mold. As part of mold mitigation, you should always have your ductwork inspected. Your technician may find that it’s possible to clean and sanitize your ducting to correct the problem. However, when mold issues are widespread, recurring, and unresponsive to multiple remediation techniques, replacement could be the best choice.
5. Fast-Rising Energy Bills
According to studies performed at the University of Florida, even when fully intact, air ducts can be responsible for the loss of up to 40% of an HVAC system’s heating and cooling energy. Although homeowners can limit these losses with duct sealing and insulation, when ductwork develops age-related air leaks, energy consumption invariably rises. If you’re spending a small fortune to heat and cool your home, old, leaky ducting is a likely reason why.
6. Hot and Cold Spots
Standard, central HVAC systems are designed to heat and cool homes uniformly. With a single, central thermostat, your HVAC system should create and maintain the same temperature in all building areas. If you have rooms that are always frosty or stuffy, it may be time to have to have your ductwork replaced.
7. Stubborn Pest Infestations and Pest-Related Duct Damage
HVAC air ducts are a prime target for countless pests. As ducts are almost completely concealed, they offer a safe, secure space for animals and insects to hide. They also provide easy access to water and food. Unfortunately, when pests enter ducting, they leave lots of pathogenic waste behind, including:
- Carcasses
- Shed wings and exoskeletons
- Feces
- Food
The fur, hair, and other leavings of in-duct infestations will have a noticeable impact on your indoor air quality. This debris can also impact airflow throughout your HVAC system and hinder HVAC performance.
Although cleaning, deodorizing, and sanitizing ducting might solve the problem, there are some instances in which it will not. For instance, if you have an especially persistent rodent infestation, air duct replacement could be the better choice. When rats and mice travel through these networks, they rub their bodies against duct walls. This leaves behind an odorous, oily residue that acts as a “calling card” for other rodents. Getting these pheromones off isn’t always easy, and they could cause new pests to enter the space even if you’ve already trapped or exterminated all existing critters.
Pest infestations also cause significant duct damage. Although air ducts can stand up to strong air forces for up to two decades, they aren’t meant to support the heavy, fast-moving bodies of raccoons or rats.
8. Stubborn Odors
Even if your air ducts aren’t home to a full-blown infestation, they could be harboring the body of a dead or dying animal. During their final moments of life, dying animals often look for private, secluded spaces. If one has found its way into your air ducts, your entire home could be permeated by its rank, putrid smell.
Homes with ducting that’s riddled with mold and mildew often smell like dirty laundry. Even an accumulation of dust and debris can make ductwork smelly. While scheduling professional duct cleaning works well for newer air ducts, the necessary cleaning methods might prove too forceful for ducts that are already at or nearing the end of their lifespans.
9. Low Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality has many possible causes. Slow and hidden leaks, insufficient air filtration or air filter maintenance, and poor ventilation are just a few. However, there’s also a possibility that your air ducts are to blame. Not all of the debris that enters your air ducts is dry particulate matter. When homes are overly humid, in-duct moisture can lead to tough buildups that don’t respond well to negative air pressure, vacuum suction, or mechanical duct cleaning. If you’re up to date on HVAC maintenance and don’t have any unchecked plumbing problems, it may be time to have new air ducts installed.
10. The Inability to Accommodate Important Additions
HVAC zoning is an increasingly popular home upgrade. With multiple smart thermostats, bypass ducts, and duct dampers, zoning systems allow homeowners to customize temperatures in each building area. This way, there’s no need to send hot or cold air into unoccupied rooms, and all residents can enjoy their preferred indoor conditions. If you’re interested in zoning your HVAC system but have ducting that can’t support this upgrade, you can always have it modified or replaced.
This is also true for important in-duct or on-duct accessories. Also known as integrated HVAC accessories, these secondary appliances include:
- Air scrubbers
- Air purifiers
- UV sanitizing lights
- Media filters
- Whole-house humidifiers and dehumidifiers
For additional humidity control or IAQ support, you might need to replace decades-old ducting to accommodate it.
We’ve been helping people in Louisville, KY optimize their home comfort since 1940. We offer top-notch plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services. We also provide advanced indoor air quality improvements and preventative maintenance plans. If you need new ductwork, give Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric a call.
