3 Common Signs It’s Time for Air Duct Replacement

 

Perhaps one of the least talked about parts of a home is its air ducts. They get installed into the home and are hidden away from sight from that point on. But it is important to stay on top of aging air ducts because if not, homeowners could end up paying more out of pocket than they have to. Air duct replacement is a relatively quick process, but it requires the work of a professional. Without a trained and experienced professional, homeowners are likely to run into problems later on.That said, before calling a professional, homeowners have to know what to look for in order to know when it is time for an air duct replacement. Below are three common signs the air ducts need to be replaced.

The Home Has Old Ductwork

Aging ductwork is the most common reason for replacing air ducts. Unfortunately, air ducts don’t last forever, but they do last a long time, so it can be easy to lose track. Typically, air ducts will last around ten to fifteen years. However, if maintenance is done every year, homeowners could potentially extend this lifespan even more.

If air ducts are aging, homeowners will likely notice:

Increased Utility Bills

The energy bill could increase a noticeable amount from one month to another. This is usually a dead giveaway that the HVAC system is working harder than it needs to because air ducts are no longer efficient. Still, the energy bill could increase without anyone noticing at all.

In other words, sometimes, an increased energy bill isn’t always the easiest sign to look for. Typically, though, when the problem is air ducts, the energy bill will continue to increase a bit more each month.

There are a few different reasons why this happens:

  • Leaks caused by holes or cracks in the ducts
  • Broken segments
  • Excess dirt and debris

The damages mentioned above cause an inconsistency in the airflow, which leads to the HVAC system working harder to overcompensate for the inconsistency. When the HVAC system works more, it causes energy bills to increase.

The Home Has Poor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can happen for a number of different reasons, but by the time people start to notice that air quality is suffering, the system is likely showing other symptoms. This decline is a clear indicator that the source of the problem is located in the air ducts.

 

If there is a hole or obstruction of some sort, any dirt surrounding the air duct could end up in the home. Mold could even start growing in the home. In this case, the problem is most likely the air ducts and homeowners should call an experienced professional to come and take a look.

The good thing about needing to replace air ducts is that this allows homeowners to save some money over time to prepare to avoid an unexpected expense.

About Air Comfort Service, Inc.

For homeowners in need of an HVAC professional, look no further than the experts at Air Comfort Service, Inc. in St. Peters. They work hard to keep customers home efficient and satisfied because they understand how frustrating it can be when the air isn’t working properly. Call today to schedule an air duct inspection.