Air Ducts May Need to Be Replaced

Is Air Duct Replacement Necessary?

Replacing an air duct is not the same as changing an air filter. While they help provide air quality, fixing ductwork is more advanced. Homeowners looking to save money on their monthly electric bill often examine the air ducts first. 

Signs of Damaged Ductwork

One can find air ducts inside the vents. They are responsible for pulling air into the vent so it can be cooled or heated before exiting the ducts. If air ducts are clogged, indoor air may become dirty while circulating throughout the house. 

It’s not always easy to spot air contamination. If the air ducts need to be replaced, there are a few tell-tale signs homeowners should pay attention to. 

Strange noises can occur if an air duct is blocked. This can be due to outdoor or indoor debris. Whistling sounds are not normal and can be extremely loud. The replacement may be necessary if an air duct sounds similar to a tea kettle. 

The ductwork that is over 15 years old is likely to have experienced damage. Even if the damage cannot be seen, air ducts are not designed to last forever. Many homeowners believe the air ducts must be new if they live in a modern home. This is not always the case. 

Older air ducts sometimes give off an unpleasant odor. Usually, this is due to the buildup of debris. The most common smell associated with old air ducts is musty. This can negatively impact the air quality and affect the health of any household, especially if mold or mildew is present. 

The Benefits of Air Duct Replacement

Not only can ductwork improve a home’s airflow, but it also saves money on energy bills. When an HVAC system must work twice as hard to cool or heat the home, this raises monthly living costs. 

Keeping track of monthly electric bills is a consistent way to judge a home’s efficiency. If a heating or cooling system is working at maximum efficiency, this helps both save and the environment. With a decrease in carbon, the local environment can naturally thrive.

New air ducts are much quieter than damaged ones. This cuts down on sound pollution that can subliminally increase anxiety in the home. Even households used to the constant hum from damaged ductwork can notice a significant difference once the background noise is eliminated.

Air Duct Repair Methods

There are multiple types of air ducts. Electricians may use a fiberglass duct board, flex duct, or galvanized sheet metal, depending on specific building codes. Sheet metal is extremely popular because heat rises from the flooring. 

To install a sheet metal system, it’s important to first find the leaking seam. If there are large gaps, these can be covered with an additional sealant. If gaps are too large to reseal, the area known as an S-lock can be separated with a utility knife. Once this is accomplished, the metal on each duct can slip into the gap.

Trained electricians understand both the building code requirements and safety measures to repair air ducts successfully. Since not all damaged ducts need to be replaced, electrical maintenance is recommended annually. 

About Chad’s AC Direct

Chad’s AC Direct is transparent about its pricing options and provides reliable and quick service. For residents of Montgomery, AL, Chad’s AC Direct offers a $25 coupon for any repair service work. 

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