In the United States, 91% of homes are built with a duct system to move warm and cool air around.
If you live in a home that has central heat or central heat and air, you have air ducts. Part of maintaining your HVAC system is cleaning those ducts. But what happens when cleaning isn’t enough and you may need residential air duct replacement?
Here’s how you’ll know if you can clean your air ducts, or if you need to replace them.
Regular Maintenance
Part of keeping an HVAC system operating is regular maintenance. If you want your system to work right, clean air ducts are a must. You can check with a visual inspection to see if your air ducts are dirty or not.
In most cases, having a dirty air duct will mean that you need air duct cleaning. Professional contractors will use high-powered air to blow through the ducts and remove debris and dust. Trying to clean the air ducts on your own can be a much larger and more complicated hassle.
When to Replace Air Ducts?
Residential air duct replacement can be seen as a last resort of sorts. In most cases, it is unnecessary, but as your system ages, the possibility grows. You can look out for a few things that will warn you it is time for more than cleaning.
1. Damage
A damaged air duct can become impossible to clean. If gaps are forming in the ductwork, air will escape, and dirt can come in at any time. The more damage you notice, the closer to residential air duct replacement you are getting.
2. Heavy Soiling
If the air ducts are full of dirt, grime, mold, and debris, you might consider a replacement. This is because as the duct gets dirtier, it is harder and harder to get clean. Mold and other contaminants can pose a risk of respiratory distress or illness, so a replacement has to be considered.
3. Age
Like everything, air ducts don’t last forever, and as they age, they begin to break down. This deterioration will start to cause your HVAC system to be less efficient and cost more money to operate. Air duct replacement may be unavoidable if your ducts are over 15 years old.
Before Residential Air Duct Replacement
Before you have your air ducts replaced, make sure you exhaust every option. Replacement can be a considerable cost. The best way to avoid it is by staying on top of issues as they come up.
Look out for these signs and make sure that if you notice them, you seek professional cleaning.
Your HVAC System
Having an HVAC system that works well can be a blessing. In areas with hot or cold temperatures keeping your house at a stable temperature is good for you and the home. Residential air duct replacement is something that should be done only as a last resort.
If this article was helpful, or if you’re interested in having air ductwork done, check out our website for more information.
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