Your ductwork distributes heated or cooled air to all the rooms in your Tampa, Florida, home. Trouble with these air ducts can cause high utility bills, uncomfortable hot or cold areas in your home, and poor indoor air quality. While a service professional can fix most problems, replacing your ducts could be more economical and effective. When deciding when to replace the ductwork in your home, consider factors such as age and condition of the ducts.
Ductwork That’s More Than 15 Years Old
The ducts in most houses can last for 10 or 15 years before problems appear. Air ducts installed during your home’s construction may not be high quality. If your home is more than 15 years old and still has its original ductwork, replacing the ductwork can help you save energy and prevent problems.
Airflow and Ductwork Condition
While your HVAC system is running, check the air registers in all rooms of your home. Look for reduced airflow or air that isn’t warm or cool enough. Make sure all the vents are open.
Much of the ductwork is hidden and will need to be inspected by your HVAC technician. You can check exposed ductwork in areas like the attic. Look for collapsed sections, disconnected joints, holes, gaps in insulation, rust, and corrosion. If you notice any of these problems, call a professional right away.
Hidden Leaks
If your HVAC system isn’t working correctly and there are no visible signs of a problem, your service technician will conduct various tests such as a duct blower test. This test uses a special fan to pressurize your air ducts and measure the airflow needed to support the pressure. If the fan has to work hard to keep your ductwork pressurized, then you could have major leaks or other problems with your ductwork. Replacing your ductwork is the only way to fix significant damage.