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Top Reasons Air Ducts Need To Be Replaced

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Air Duct Replacement: When Is It Necessary?

Though it may not happen frequently, homeowners will have something go wrong with their home at one point or another. And when this happens, it begs the question of whether it needs an immediate fix or if the problem can hold out just a little bit longer with a temporary solution. Though temporary solutions may seem like a lifesaver at the time, the main problem will still come back, and the makeshift solution put in place could do more harm than good.

So when it comes time to replace the air ducts in the home, it’s best to face the music and get the job done because doing so will benefit the home and its occupants. But the question remains, when would this type of job be necessary?

Ductwork Grows Worse With Age

old aging duct work

Like most things, ductwork will start to wear down and deteriorate as it gets older. The average lifespan of air ducts is 10-15 years, assuming that they are properly maintained. However, once the air ducts start to reach that point, they often need to be replaced. 

The reason for replacement is either because:

  • The air ducts have worn down and deteriorated to the point where they are no longer efficient or functional.
  • The air ducts are old enough that if a homeowner was to update the AC unit, furnace, or another HVAC component, the air ducts might no longer be compatible with the new component.

In either of these cases, ductwork will need replacement.

Utility Bills Rise Sharply

coins close to the toy house

Automatic payments can be a lifesaver for busy people. Sometimes it’s hard enough to remember what day it is, let alone whether today is the day that bills are due. However, automatic payments can also make it easy for homeowners to overlook the bills they are receiving, especially utility bills that vary from month to month. 

If the air ducts have a leak and are no longer operating efficiently, it takes more energy for the HVAC system to provide the same amount of air to the home to keep it comfortable. 

Monitoring the month over month trends of utility bills can help homeowners identify when a problem may be occurring that may require air duct replacement. 

Indoor Air Quality Begins To Decline

man crossing his arms

One of the most important outputs of the HVAC system is air quality. Indoor air quality impacts everything from a person’s physical health to their productivity level inside the home. When the air quality is poor, it can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness, irritation of the eyes and throat, frequent coughing, sneezing, and bad sleep. It can also reduce concentration leading to lower productivity when working from home or attending classes at home.

Suppose homeowners notice any of these health concerns, lower productivity levels at home, musty odors in the air, or a visible accumulation of dust floating through the air. In that case, it’s time to take action and improve the indoor air quality. 

Many of these symptoms are a sign that there is a problem with the air ducts. To determine if the air ducts need to be replaced or if another HVAC problem at play, homeowners should always consult a professional HVAC technician.

About Burnside Air Conditioning, Heating & Indoor Air Quality

Burnside Air Conditioning, Heating & Indoor Air Quality is proud to help their community achieve better indoor air quality in Mckinney, TX. They are involved in heating, cooling, and indoor comfort - and have been doing so since 1958. As a family-owned and operated business for over 60 years, they are committed to providing an unparalleled service to all their customers.