7 Signs You Need Ductwork Replacement
When your air ducts fail, they can throw your entire heating and cooling system out of whack, causing it to work harder and less efficiently.
Even the best heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units cannot overcome significant energy losses from damaged, deteriorating, and failing air ducts. Replacing them is your best financial strategy at that point.
Ductwork is an integral part of your HVAC system. Your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump condition the air and rely on air ducts to deliver it to every room in your Cape May County home.
Whether you want to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) inside your home, vacation cottage, or rental, it starts with your ductwork.
Improving Your New Jersey Indoor Air Quality
At Broadley’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand that ductwork is easy to overlook, so we compiled a list of signs to help raise awareness.
If you check the boxes on one or more signs, consider having one of our qualified technicians look at your air ducts and determine whether you should replace them.
Signs Your Air Ducts Need Attention
Examine your ductwork whenever you change your air filter. If you are concerned about changes in your air ducts, call Broadley’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning for a professional assessment.
Once the heating season starts, stay aware of these signs that your ductwork may need replacement:
- Uneven Temperatures: Feeling cold in one room and hot in another may indicate failing ductwork. Leaky or blocked ductwork may be the culprit for uneven heating and cooling throughout your Linwood home. Uneven temperatures might even indicate a poorly designed system struggling to provide comfort.
- Age: Ductwork typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Air ducts older than 20 years may be more susceptible to leaks. According to ENERGY STAR®, 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through ductwork leaks out of holes, cracks, and poor connections. Imagine how much loss can occur with old, inefficient ductwork! Replacing outdated, deteriorating air ducts will enhance HVAC system performance.
- Mold: If your ductwork smells musty or you notice mold in or around your air ducts, it is time for a professional inspection and possibly duct cleaning. If cleaning does not resolve the problem, new ductwork may be the solution.
- Noise: Ducts that bump against each other may emit a rattling sound. Banging and whistling may also point to an air duct problem.
- High Energy Bills: A spike in heating costs may indicate a problem with leaky, damaged ductwork. Leaky ducts can stress your furnace or heat pump, causing it to work harder to achieve the desired temperature in your home. Duct sealing may help, but replacement may be a better choice.
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Many factors, chemicals and cleaning products to cooking, can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Dirty ductwork can, too. Dust and other allergens can accumulate in your ductwork and circulate through the air in your living spaces. If you notice dust buildup in your home, it may be time to consider duct cleaning.
- Insects: Pest problem? Insects can enter your ductwork through cracks and find their way to air vents, giving them access to your living space. They can also damage ductwork and contaminate indoor air. If duct sealing and cleaning do not improve the pest problem, consider replacing your ductwork.
Call the Ductwork Experts
At Broadley’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer practical, affordable HVAC solutions for homeowners in Linwood, NJ. If you suspect your air ducts have a problem, call us at 609-228-9458 or request service online.