New HVAC System and Existing Ductwork: When to replace ducts in your Philadelphia home?

Ductwork, especially poorly constructed ductwork made of inferior materials, can leak. However, ductwork is typically one of the most durable parts of your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This does not mean that ductwork is always the cause of poor heating and cooling performance. It can fail, of course, and more often than not because it was poorly designed or installed in the first place.

Signs for replacing the ductwork in my home

Corrosion and deterioration: Ductwork can also rust and corrode over time, which can lead to air quality problems and reduced system efficiency. Over time, rust and corrosion on ductwork can release contaminants into the air in your home.

Leaks and insulation problems: Duct leaks or inadequate insulation can cause significant energy loss and a decrease in HVAC performance. Air leaks can allow cool air to escape, making your system work harder to keep your home at the right temperature.

Obstructions and clogging: Ductwork can become clogged with debris, dust, and even pests. This restricts airflow and reduces system efficiency. In addition, clogged ductwork can lead to poor air quality in your home, which can have a negative impact on your health. 

Poor duct design and installation: Poor duct design or installation can cause your home's heating and cooling system to work unevenly. Rooms in your home may be too warm or too cold. Your system may not be able to maintain consistent temperatures in areas of the home that are farther from the system.

Read More: Signs of Duct Aging

What benefits can duct replacement have?

Replacing your existing ductwork can improve the heating and cooling performance of your home. Properly designed and sealed ductwork can improve airflow, which can reduce the amount of pollutants and allergens that enter your home and improve indoor air quality. Ductwork can also distribute conditioned air more evenly, reducing the number of hot or cold spots and ensuring consistent comfort throughout the home.

Replacing old ductwork with new ductwork can also help extend the life of your new heating and cooling system. Poorly designed or inadequately insulated ductwork can cause your HVAC system to use twice as much energy as it should, resulting in significant energy loss and a dramatic reduction in the life of your system. Replacing ductwork with new, well-designed and installed ductwork can help extend the life of your HVAC equipment and reduce premature wear and tear.

By replacing ductwork, you can ensure that conditioned air gets where it's supposed to go with little to no temperature loss, while keeping your indoor environment healthy and comfortable. Plus, upgrading your ductwork can save you money on your utility bills in the long run.

If the HVAC system is being replaced, will duct replacement be required?

Duct replacement may not be necessary as long as your existing ducts are still in good condition and your new air conditioner can work with the capacity and design of your existing ducts. However, an HVAC system upgrade may be the perfect time to have your ducts cleaned.

A skilled HVAC professional will be able to thoroughly clean your ductwork and take proactive measures to improve your indoor air quality. They will apply an antimicrobial germicidal spray and mold / mildew inhibitors to reduce the risk of mold growth. They will also advise you if your ductwork will not be able to support your new air conditioning system and will need to be replaced or modified.

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If you are uncomfortable with your home's heating or cooling system, especially if you notice that certain rooms receive poor or uneven airflow, ductwork can be modified or replaced. Other factors that may contribute to this include the location of your heating and cooling units, or the fact that your home may be better served by multiple units to provide more consistent airflow through different sections of ductwork.

If your existing HVAC ducts are not correctly sized or installed, they can negatively affect the performance of the system, resulting in sub-optimal HVAC performance and lower energy savings. But before you spend thousands of dollars on new units or ductwork, you need to get to the bottom of what’s causing your heating & cooling performance problems. Get in touch with AC COMFORT HVAC LLC today for a thorough evaluation of your home's HVAC systems and temperature control issues.