When do I need to replace my home's ducts?

You probably didn't think much about your ducts when you first had your AC installed. In fact, most homeowners don't think about them at all. Ducts are the pipes that carry cooled air through every room in your home. It's hard to think about them when you're looking at a brand new air conditioning unit.

But after a few years of faithful service from your AC unit, it's time to start thinking about maintenance for your ducts. Despite the fact that ducts don't have moving parts, they still need to be serviced on a regular basis. If things get really bad, they may even need to be replaced.

Your ducts are not immortal

You'd think that since your ducts are out of sight and out of mind, they'd be safe, right? We wish it were so, but unfortunately your ducts are not invulnerable. There are a number of factors that can cause them to deteriorate.

Cracks and Duct Disconnects

Cracks and breaks are one of the most common reasons for duct replacement. The cause varies depending on the type of ductwork you have, but the common denominator is that the sealants that hold the ductwork together deteriorate over time due to constant temperature changes.

It is also common for pests such as mice, rats, and squirrels to get into your ducts and chew their way out. Flexible ducts are particularly vulnerable because they are made of insulation instead of metal.

Regardless of the cause, cracks and breaks are a major problem. It is estimated that nearly 30% of your total airflow is lost to leaks, which accounts for nearly a third of your energy bill. While some leaks can be easily repaired or sealed, there are times when the best solution is simply to replace the ductwork.

Old ductwork is a place for mold to grow

Experiencing all four seasons and changing weather between seasons, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania along with the outside dust and dirt is a place for mold to grow inside homes. Imagine your ducts filled with moisture from summer heat and condensation. Add in dust and dirt and you have a recipe for mold!

Ducts in Philadelphia collect dust and dirt and need to be cleaned from time to time. However, if the conditions are right for mold to form, you will want to schedule your duct cleaning as soon as possible. If your mold is particularly bad, we may think that replacing your ducts is the best option at some point.

Check ductwork when moving into a new home

Last but not least, if you've recently moved into a home with an AC unit, it's a good idea to inspect the ducts to make sure your system is functioning properly. This includes checking the ductwork.

Installing ductwork is both an art and a science. You have to choose the right ductwork material, size the ductwork correctly, insulate the ductwork properly, and run the ductwork through the available space without major crossovers or bends. Installing ductwork in tight spaces can be challenging.

However, some ductwork jobs are simply not worth the effort. Poorly sized, haphazardly installed ductwork can significantly reduce efficiency. Ductwork replacement can make all the difference.

Trust your ductwork to the professionals

Whether you've recently moved to Philadelphia and are unsure about your new home's ductwork specifically and HVAC system as a whole, or you've lived here for decades and are experiencing various problems that could be caused by deteriorating ducts - AC Comfort HVAC LLC is a contractor you can trust to solve any type of problem. Leave your request today and our expert will arrive at your home at a convenient time.