Your AC ductwork is an essential component of your overall HVAC system. Unfortunately, like any component of an AC system, it can break down over time. That being said, because ducts are easy to overlook, many homeowners aren’t familiar with the signs that it’s time to replace them.
Don’t let that happen to you. If you don’t replace failing ducts promptly, it could negatively impact the performance of your air conditioning. That’s why it’s important to know about the following key warning signs:
Signs it’s Time to Schedule AC Duct Replacement
Old Age
No HVAC system lasts forever. Thus, you should look into how long yours is supposed to last. Depending on several factors, including the type of system in your home, the size of the system, how well it’s been maintained, and more, an AC system can typically last between 10 to 25 years. That means, by the time yours is about 15 years old, you should at least schedule an inspection with one of our qualified technicians. They’ll take a close look, letting you know whether your ductwork needs replacing, or whether it will remain in good shape for another few years.
Dust
Have you noticed your home is more dusty than usual? There are many reasons this may be the case. That said, the cause is often leaking ductwork.
Schedule an inspection of your ducted air conditioning system to determine if this is the cause. If so, replace your ductwork sooner rather than later. Letting too much dust into the home will hurt your indoor air quality, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
High Bills
It’s always a good idea to pay attention to the cost of monthly utilities. Surprisingly high bills don’t always mean you’ve simply been using various appliances more often than usual. High bills usually indicate there is something wrong with one of those appliances.
Specifically, your bills might be high because your ducted air conditioning system is leaking, forcing your AC system to use more energy to cool your home.
Make sure you replace your AC ducts as soon as possible if they are found to be leaking. The more energy your AC needs to use, the more wear-and-tear it goes through. This may cause it to break down earlier than expected. It may also reduce your system’s overall lifespan.
In other words, if you’re thinking about postponing the work because of cost, keep in mind that replacing them now will save you money in both the short and long run.
Strange Odors
When you’re near any ductwork, stop to see if you notice any odors. They could be a sign that moisture in your ductwork has allowed growth to develop. This puts the comfort and health of every member of your household at risk. If growth is identified, you may need to replace your ductwork.
Loud Operation
You should always contact us right away when you notice any components of your HVAC system making strange noises. This almost certainly means something isn’t working right.
In some cases, however, AC systems don’t exactly make strange noises but do sound surprisingly loud when in operation. This could mean the ductwork for an AC system is undersized. Additionally, if the ductwork itself is making strange noises, it may not have been installed properly.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Do some rooms in your home feel sufficiently cool when the AC system is in operation, while others feel too warm? While there are a few reasons this can happen, leaking or failing ductwork is often the cause.
Pests
Noticing more pests than usual in your home? This might be due to leaks in your ductwork. When ductwork is leaking, it gives pests an opportunity to get into your home fairly easily. Protect yourself by scheduling an inspection and taking any measures the technicians recommend.
Health Issues
Remember, ductwork problems can lead to growth and poor indoor air quality. Even if you haven’t noticed strange smells or a dusty home, if you or any other members of the household are experiencing new respiratory issues, you should have your ductwork checked.
Obviously, the most important step to take in these circumstances is seeing your physician. You need to confirm these new health problems aren’t related to an illness that requires treatment. However, if the ductwork is to blame, such health issues will continue until it’s repaired or replaced.
Keeping Your Ducted Air Conditioning System in Good Shape
It’s worth noting that there are steps you can take on your own to keep your ductwork in the best possible shape as long as possible.
Scheduling regular inspections before the warm season arrives is one of them. When our AC technicians have the chance to check your system on a consistent basis, they’re more likely to identify (and correct) minor issues before they become major problems. They’ll also be glad to provide you with AC maintenance tips.
You should change your filters according to schedule as well. This helps to prevent your ductwork from becoming contaminated.
Most importantly, pay attention to the warning signs listed here. If you notice a problem early, the cost of fixing it will typically be lower than it would be if you caught the problem later. It may have caused greater damage by that point, which will require more extensive AC repairs, if not full AC ductwork replacement.
Worried About AC Duct Replacement Cost?
Again, your ductwork plays a crucial role in your AC system. You need to replace it as soon as possible if our technicians determine this is the best course of action. Doing so is key to staying comfortable and optimizing your HVAC system’s lifespan.
That said, it’s understandable if you feel you might want to wait to schedule service later when you can more easily justify the cost. The problem is, the longer you wait to replace your ducts, the more you’ll end up paying in the long run.
At Easy A/C, serving homeowners throughout the Tampa Bay area, we don’t believe anyone should be uncomfortable simply because they feel they can’t afford a necessary service right now. That’s why we’re happy to work with you, helping to make our services as affordable as possible. Contact us online today to learn more!