You're Replacing Your HVAC Equipment – Should You Change Your Ductwork?

According to the EPA, American homes can see efficiency drops of up to 30% from poorly sealed air ducts. No matter how efficient your air conditioning or heating system is, this scale of loss can take a big bite out of your utility bills. Problematic ducts can also cause your HVAC equipment to run longer to compensate for the losses, resulting in premature wear and higher repair costs.

If you're replacing your air conditioner, furnace, or another part of your home's HVAC system, it may be worth considering a duct replacement. Although pulling out your old ducts and installing new ones is a big job, it's also a worthwhile investment in your home's future. Keep an eye out for these three indications that you should change your ductwork along with your HVAC equipment.

1. Persistent Odors

HVAC odors can result from numerous sources, including evaporator problems, incorrect thermostat settings, and ductwork mold growth. However, some scents may always seem to return, no matter how many attempts you make to fix them. In these cases, the problem may be more significant than you realize.

One potential cause of persistent odors is leaky or damaged ductwork. Old plumbing leaks or even moisture from outside can damage your ductwork, causing rot and leading to mold and bacteria growth. If this is the case in your home, pulling out the damaged ductwork and replacing it is typically the only permanent solution.

2. Installation Issues

Poor installation of your original ductwork can lead to many issues. Flex ductwork, in particular, is notorious for causing problems without a skilled and careful installation. Excessively long ductwork runs, tight corners and numerous other mistakes can reduce your HVAC system's efficiency. These problems may also cause your ductwork to be noisy or even expose it to physical damage.

Repairing installation issues will require you to remove your old ductwork and replace it with new ducting. Depending on the nature of the original installation, you may see a significant improvement in your system's performance and efficiency.

3. Heavy Leakage

Your HVAC contractor can perform a ductwork leakage test before installing your new HVAC units. This test determines how much air you're losing from your ducts. Heavy leakage typically indicates multiple problems within your ductwork, and it's not always possible to resolve these by sealing or repairing the existing system.

If your leak test comes back with bad news, the most cost-effective solution may be the replacement. Although piecemeal repairs will cost less upfront, you'll save money by taking care of the entire job at once so you can enjoy your HVAC system without worrying about future ducting issues.

For more information contact a company like Elite Clean & Restoration.