Replacing ductwork is an extensive and costly project. Fortunately, HVAC ducts don’t have to be replaced that often. They can last 10 to 15 years before issues such as deteriorating materials make them inefficient. Proper maintenance, duct sealing, and other ductwork services can help ducts last longer. But knowing when you need AC duct replacement is important.

If old ducts aren’t doing their job, your HVAC system will be forced to work harder. Ductwork enables an AC or heater to deliver conditioned air to each room. Air ducts over 15 years old may develop holes, loose connections, or air leaks. Rodent infestations and even collapsed ducts can also be problematic.

The frequency of AC duct replacement isn’t only determined by the age of your ductwork. Regardless of when your air ducts were installed, consider having them replaced if you notice issues such as:

Some Rooms Are Too Hot or Too Cold

Uneven heating or cooling is often due to ductwork problems. Conditioned air may not reach a room if an air duct has a major leak. Instead of reaching the intended area, the air is escaping the duct. If you can feel a significant temperature difference from one spot to another or measure it with a thermometer, have an HVAC technician inspect your ductwork.

Your HVAC System Starts Making Strange Noises

Loose ductwork can cause rattling or clanking sounds when your HVAC unit is running. An air leak may produce a whistling sound that’s hard to ignore. A small leak or two can be patched, but if there are several leaks in your ductwork, replacing it may be the best long-term solution.

Air Ducts Appear Damaged

Schedule AC duct replacement if you see torn, ripped, or disconnected sections of ductwork. Holes in ducts are often signs of corrosion and deterioration. Bent, tangled, or crushed ducts should also be replaced as soon as possible.

Your Utility Bill Is Too High

Electric bills should be generally the same from month to month, although there may be seasonal variations. You may not have seen many changes in the past few years. But if your utility bill has suddenly spiked, the reason may be in your ductwork. If it’s no longer moving air effectively, your AC system will work harder and longer, using more electricity and, in turn, increasing your energy costs.

Your Home Is Dirtier

If your home is relatively dust-free and the air seems fresh, chances are you don’t need AC duct replacement anytime soon. But signs of a widespread ductwork problem include too much dust no matter how often you clean your home. You may also see mold growth near vents. Increased allergy symptoms or asthma attacks can mean dust, debris, chemicals, and other pollutants are being released from your ductwork.

How Do I Know to Replace My AC Ductwork?

You can check visible segments for signs of damage or peek into vents to see partway into ducts. But this won’t tell the full story. An HVAC specialist uses various tools and methods to inspect a duct system; they can see deep inside it to determine its condition and the scope and extent of any damage. If there are multiple problems, they will likely recommend AC duct replacement.

Call Sky Heating & Air Conditioning

If our innovative duct sealing solution isn’t the answer to your ductwork issues, we can provide AC duct replacement. It allows us to upsize ductwork and make other improvements that can increase AC efficiency and performance. To request ductwork services in Portland and The Dalles, call us at (888) 900-2109 today.