Duct Replacement?
Over time, air ducts can fill with dust, dirt, and allergens. While ductwork can be cleaned by a professional, duct replacement should be considered if it’s old or severely contaminated. We’ll look at whether air duct cleaning is necessary in terms of the extra cost compared to replacing ductwork that’s no longer functional (which can help save in the long run).
Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It?
It can be, depending on the age and condition of your air ducts. Excessive dust on air vents and around your home can mean dirt has settled in ducts, coils, and other parts of your HVAC system. This may be due to leaks, dusty conditions, or work during a home renovation. Call a professional in these scenarios or if you notice rodents/insects/birds investing your ducts or odors and other signs of mold within them.
At times, air duct cleaning can suffice over duct replacement and have benefits such as:
- Improved AC efficiency
- Increased cooling capacity
- Improved indoor air quality
- Reduced need for repairs
- A more reliable AC unit
Why Duct Replacement May Be the Better Solution
Duct contamination is often a sign of other problems. Even the most qualified professional can’t fix a major issue with duct cleaning alone. Symptoms of air quality and airflow issues, such as nasal congestion, itchy eyes, headache, dizziness, and breathing difficulty, can be due to the following problems that require extensive ductwork repairs or replacement:
- Poor Installation: An improperly installed duct system can restrict airflow, increase the amount of dust, and lead to mold growth caused by improper ventilation. Your HVAC system will have reduced heating or cooling capacity. It’ll also work less efficiently, increasing your utility bills. Unfortunately, ductwork replacement is the only way to fix these issues.
- Duct Leaks: Holes, cracks, and loose connections can cause the conditioned air to escape. They can also allow contaminants in. If your air ducts are severely deteriorated and leaking from multiple places, don’t worry if air duct cleaning is necessary. New ductwork should be installed to avoid future repair costs.
- HVAC Noise: While layers of debris can contribute to increased noise, loud sounds often mean the plastic or fiberglass joints in your ducts are damaged. Intense vibrations can cause even more damage over time. Have a technician inspect the system and determine whether to replace all or part of the duct system.
- Reduced Performance: If temperatures vary throughout your home, your HVAC unit runs continuously, or airflow is limited, it can point to an AC or furnace issue. However, if the air ducts are the source of the problem, cleaning them is a temporary solution at best. Air duct replacement will improve temperature regulation, air quality, and efficiency. It can also help prolong the lifespan of the system.
What Is the Most Affordable Solution?
Air duct cleaning generally costs a few hundred dollars. Ductwork replacement costs from $1,400 to $5,600 on average in 2023 dollars (for larger homes, replacing ducts can approach $9,000).1 But consider that replacing air ducts can avoid future repairs, emergency visits by an HVAC crew, and premature AC or heating system replacement. The upfront investment may be offset by various benefits over time.
Let Tri County Air Determine if Replacement or Air Duct Cleaning Is Necessary
At Tri County Air, we specialize in duct replacement to eliminate holes, leaks, poor connections, and other issues. Our team is trained to properly size, seal, and insulate ductwork to reduce airborne pollutants and improve comfort and energy efficiency. From duct runs to the plenum, fittings, dampers, and other system components, we ensure a complete installation tailored specifically to your home. To schedule a duct replacement consultation, request an appointment or call (941) 841-3688.
Source: https://homeguide.com/costs/cost-to-replace-ductwork