There are many reasons why you may need an air duct replacement. It could be that your ducts are old and in need of repair, or that they are not functioning properly and causing problems with your air conditioning duct. No matter what the reason, it’s important to be aware of the top signs that you need an air duct replacement, and ensure that you’re leaning on expert service where necessary. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss the top 9 signs that you need an air duct replacement, alongside a few tips and tricks to manage mishaps in the meantime. Keep reading to learn more!
Signs to replace air ducts
Whether your ducts are old, filled with debris, or simply not functioning as you’d expected, there are a large number of visible (and sometimes invisible) signs indicating that they need repair. These signs include:
Age
The first and most obvious sign that you need to replace your air ducts is their age. The average lifespan of HVAC ducts is approximately 15 years. After this period has elapsed, the unit will become prone to breakdowns and other issues that could prevent it from functioning properly. This can result in ducts not circulating air properly, and result in the efficiency and effectiveness of your home temperature moderation system dropping. If your HVAC ducting isn’t working as you’d expect it to, take some time to consider the age of the system and review the last time you managed to get maintenance done on it. More often than not, it will end up being a situation in which you have an aged air duct infrastructure that needs support to regain its full potential.
High energy bills
If you’ve been noticing an increase in your energy bills, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your air ducts and their ability to circulate both warm and cool air throughout the home. Leaks and other issues can cause your HVAC ducts to work harder than necessary, resulting in increased energy costs. If you’re seeing a noticeable spike in your monthly expenses, it’s time to take a look at the duct system that is pushing air through your home and determine whether or not it is the root of your issues. If it happens to be, there are a variety of options available to ensure the future airflow is far more reliable than the present.
More dust than normal
Excess dust can be an indication that your air ducts are not working properly. If dust is getting caught in the filter and bypassing it before reaching the vents, this could cause several issues with your HVAC system including increased energy costs, reduced efficiency, and more. To determine whether or not you have excess dust buildup in your air ducts, take some time to unscrew vent covers and assess what lies behind the filter. The best way to combat this problem is by replacing any damaged or clogged filters as soon as possible so that they can begin collecting debris again.
Poor airflow
Another sign that you may need to replace your air ducts is poor airflow. If you notice that one room in the house gets a lot of cool air, but another doesn’t, it could indicate something wrong with your duct system. A good way to check for this issue is by turning on all fans and making sure they are blowing evenly throughout each area before moving on to another step in troubleshooting what might be causing an imbalance between rooms within the home.
Poor cooling performance
If you notice that your air conditioning duct is not cooling as it should, then this could be a sign of an issue with the ducts. The best way to check for this problem is by turning on all fans and making sure they are blowing evenly throughout each area. If it’s clear that air is not traveling into each room – which will lead to incredibly poor cooling performance over time – it will be in your best interest to consider taking a look at the air ducts currently in place and seeing where repairs can be made.
Dents and punctures
Another very clear sign of air ducts in need of attention – and potentially repair – is if there are any visible external dents or punctures. If you notice that your air duct vents have dents or punctures in your air ducts, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Not only can these damages lead to leaks and other airflow issues – which will result in worsened efficiency levels and increased energy costs – but they could also be a major fire hazard. Dents and punctures can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as contact made during renovations or moving, but it’s important to take note of them the moment they become visible.
Mould and odour
If you notice that a strange smell or mould is coming from your air ducts, this could be an indication of another issue with the system. Mould can grow inside the ductwork and spread throughout your home, which is why it’s so important to address any problems right away before they become out-of-hand situations. The sooner you can get a professional to take a look at your air ducts, the better your quality of air will be and the less money you’ll need to spend repairing a larger portion of the air duct system. If you’re experiencing any of these mould or odour related signs, it’s time to consider having your air ducts cleaned or replaced.
Debris around vents
If you’re seeing a lot of debris around your vents, it could be an indication that your air ducts need to be replaced. When the ducts are in poor condition, they can start to leak and this will cause pieces of insulation, dust, and other materials to accumulate around the vent. It will be very easy to see this debris as it will look discolored and spread beyond just the vent cover. Not only is this unsightly, but it could also be a fire hazard if left unchecked. A short-term solution is to manually clean up the debris that forms outside of the vent, but the reality is that you’ll need a more permanent fix. If you notice any debris around your vents, it’s time to consider having them cleaned or replaced by an air duct replacement service.
Problems with pests
If you’re having issues with pests in your air ducts, it’s time to consider cleaning or replacing them. Pests are a major health hazard and can cause all kinds of problems for homeowners, and in addition to that, they’re just downright gross. If you notice any signs that indicate an infestation within the ductwork, such as droppings or dead insects, it’s important to address the problem as quickly as possible. Cleaning air ducts can often do enough to handle any sort of pest problem, but there are certain circumstances – especially depending on the age of your duct system – when replacement may be the best route forward. Not only will it help prevent further damage from occurring, but also ensure your home remains safe and clean for all inhabitants.
Next Steps
If you own a home, you must remain aware of the various signs indicating that your air ducts need support. Regardless of the age of your home, air duct issues can arise at any time, and given their impact on the quality of air within your home, it’s important to keep them in clean, reliable, working order.
It’s important to clean your air ducts every two years. While it’s important to be aware of the signs that indicate air duct repair is necessary, it’s also crucial to keep in mind that regular air duct cleaning can help prevent some of these problems from arising. By having your air ducts cleaned every two years, you can reduce the amount of dust and debris buildup, as well as get rid of any pests that may be living inside the ducts. This will help improve the quality of air in your home and extend the life of your air duct system.
This article has outlined the top signs that your air ducts need cleaning or replacement. It can help you decide whether or not repair services are necessary, which should work to save both time and money in the long run. In addition, we’ve provided some useful tips on how to keep up with any potential problems before they become too serious. If you’re currently experiencing any of the signs mentioned in this article, be sure to reach out to a professional for assistance as soon as possible.
ThermEnergy has been servicing clients across the GTA for years, helping them work through all of their air ducts and HVAC needs. To learn more about our team, services, or to request specialist support, contact us today.