Should I Address Any Existing Ductwork Issues Before Installing a New HVAC System?

While ductwork, especially poor fabricated ductwork made of lower-quality materials, can potentially leak, it tends to be one of the more durable components of a home’s HVAC system. That doesn’t mean ductwork is never responsible for poor heating or cooling performance. Ductwork can potentially fail and, more commonly, may have been inefficiently designed or installed initially.

If you’re unhappy with your home’s heating or cooling performance, especially if it seems like certain rooms receive inconsistent or weak airflow, modifying or replacing ductwork could be part of the solution. Other potential issues might be the placement of your HVAC units, or your home might be served better by multiple units to better provide consistent airflow via different branches of ductwork.

If your existing ducts have sizing or layout issues, they could negatively impact the performance of your HVAC system, leading to suboptimal performance and reduced energy savings. However, before investing large sums of money into adding units or redoing ductwork, it’s important to accurately ascertain the root cause of your heating and cooling performance issues. Schedule a consultation with Tom’s Mechanical, Inc. for an honest assessment of your home’s HVAC system and temperature control challenges.

When Should I Replace My Ductworks?

• Leaks and Insulation Problems: Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can lead to significant energy loss and reduced efficiency. Air leaks allow conditioned air to escape, causing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.

• Poor Design and Installation: Insufficient duct design or improper installation can lead to uneven heating and cooling throughout your home. Rooms may be too hot or too cold, and your system may struggle to maintain consistent temperatures in parts of your home that are further away from the system.

• Blockages and Obstructions: Ducts can become blocked by debris, dust and even pests, restricting airflow and reducing system efficiency. Blockages can also contribute to poor indoor air quality, which can negatively affect your health.

• Corrosion and Deterioration: Ductwork can develop rust and corrosion over time, leading to air quality issues and reduced efficiency. Deteriorating ducts may release particles and contaminants into the air you breathe.

Benefits of Replacing Ductwork

Swapping out your old ductwork can strengthen your home’s heating and cooling capacity. New ductwork that is properly designed and sealed can enhance airflow, reducing the risk of contaminants and allergens entering your living spaces and improving indoor air quality. It can also provide a more even distribution of conditioned air, eliminating hot and cold spots and providing consistent comfort throughout your home.

Installing new ductwork can even make your new HVAC system last longer. Old, leaky or poorly insulated ducts may force an HVAC system to work twice as hard to provide the same comfort, causing significant energy loss and drastically shortening your system’s lifespan. New, properly designed and installed ductwork may help extend the lifespan of your new HVAC unit, minimizing premature wear and tear.

Replacing ductwork can ensure that the conditioned air reaches its intended destination with minimal temperature loss while still providing a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. The investment in upgraded ductwork may save you more on your utility bills in the long run, making the expense worth it.

Do I Always Have to Replace My Ductwork When I Install a New HVAC System?

No. As long as the ducts are in good shape and the new HVAC system can work with the capacity and design of your existing ducts, then replacing the ductwork shouldn’t be necessary. Although ductwork replacement might not be needed, an HVAC system upgrade may provide the ideal opportunity to have your ductwork cleaned.

An experienced HVAC professional should be able to thoroughly clean your ductwork and take proactive steps to enhance your indoor air quality, like applying anti-microbial germicidal spray and mold/mildew inhibitors to prevent mold growth. They’ll also let you know if your ductwork won’t be able to accommodate your new HVAC system and will need to be replaced or modified.

Have Your Ductwork Replaced by Experts Who Have Been Handling Arlington HVAC Units for Over 60 Years

The reputable HVAC technicians at Tom’s Mechanical Inc. have years of experience repairing, servicing and replacing HVAC systems. Our team is well-equipped to advise you on your ductwork. Call (817) 277-4493 today to schedule duct cleaning or discuss an HVAC system replacement.