When cleaning your ductwork, it is important to know which service needs to be done if you find that your ductwork is not functioning properly. There are different signs that tell whether you need duct cleaning, repair, resealing, or replacement.
When Cleaning Your Ductwork, Assess If It Needs To Be Repaired, Resealed, Or Replaced
Perform a ductwork cleaning assessment to determine if your ducts need to be cleaned, repaired, resealed, or replaced.
A duct cleaning assessment should include:
- Visually inspecting vents, registers, and duct pipes for mold, rust, buildup, or damage.
- Checking seals and insulation for any water damage or signs of pests
- Ensuring airflow is functioning properly or if there are any holes, blockages, or rattling or whistling noises
Signs You Need To Repair Your Ductwork
While there are obvious signs you need to repair your ductwork, sometimes it can be hidden by dust and dirt. Other times, your duct work can look like it is in excellent shape from the outside, but internally it is falling apart. Some signs you need to repair your duct work are:
- Leaks causing high utility bills
- Visible wear and tear
- Rust or damage
- Interior damage that can be seen with a duct camera inspection
Reasons You Need To Repair Your Ductwork
There are multiple reasons why you should repair your ductwork. Ductwork repair is a good idea if you have any of the following symptoms occuring:
- When there are loose joints or small tears in your ductwork, it is in need of repair.
- Your ductwork is in need of repair when there are noises or rattling.
- Ductwork repair is needed when there are localized airflow drops.
How To Repair Your Business’s Ductwork
Repairing your ductwork is worth the time and effort. Here are some basic steps for repairing your ductwork.
- Inspect and prep the area first before repairing ductwork.
- Fix any leaks or gaps in your ductwork.
- Insulate each section and run airflow tests to ensure it functions properly.
Signs You Need To Reseal Your Ductwork
Resealing your ductwork is typically needed when ductwork hasn’t been cleaned for a long time and the dirt, grime, and water build have worn away the seals in your ductwork.
Reasons You Need To Reseal Your Ductwork
Resealing your ductwork is a good way to fix a system without completely starting from scratch. Sometimes, it is unclear whether your ductwork needs to be resealed or not. Here are some signs that your ductwork needs to be resealed:
- If you have high energy bills, you likely need to reseal your ductwork due to duct leaks.
- You need to reseal your ductwork if you have uneven temperatures between rooms.
- Strange noises are an indicator that you need to get your ductwork resealed.
- If there is excessive dust and allergic reactions, you need to get your ductwork resealed.
How To Reseal Your Business’s Ductwork
Resealing your ductwork is a relatively simple process and can be finished in a short amount of time compared to other ductwork repair. Here are the proper steps for resealing your ductwork:
- Check the metal joints in basements, attics, or ceilings for missing before resealing your ductwork.
- Inspect the flex ducts and make sure they are intact, not crushed, bent, or detached.
- Test and verify that past repairs used the proper materials.
- Hire a professional to run a leak test to measure the system leakage against local code requirements.
When To Choose Duct Sealing
It can be difficult to tell whether duct sealing compared to duct repairs or replacement is the right choice for your ductwork needs. Analyze the issues with your duct system, and if they fall into any of the following categories, your ductwork needs to be resealed.
You should choose duct sealing if you have high energy bills.
- Duct sealing is the right choice if you have uneven temperatures between rooms.
- If your ducts run through unheated or uncooled spaces like attics, garages, or crawlspaces, you should choose duct sealing.
- If the ducts are in good condition and are not crushed or rusted, you should choose duct sealing repair.
Signs You Need To Replace Your Ductwork
Replacing your ductwork is necessary when your duct system is extremely worn out or damaged. Sometimes, it is hard to tell if the damage in your ductwork is worth replacing or if it just needs to be repaired. Here are some ways to tell if it is time to replace your ductwork.
Reasons You Need To Replace Your Ductwork
If you are deciding whether or not to to replace your ductwork, consider the following:
- If your ductwork is over 15 years old, it needs to be replaced.
- If you have frequent costly ductwork repairs, you should replace your ductwork.
- If there is excessive rust on metal plenums, crushed sections, rotting duct liners, or disconnected joints, it is time to replace your ductwork.
- When your ductwork performs poorly by either extreme hot or cold spots, weak airflow from vents, or loud whistling or rattling, it is a sign to replace your ductwork.
How To Replace Your Business’s Ductwork
Replacing your ductwork is a big project to tackle, and is best done when hiring professional help. However, there are some steps you can take to prepare for professional help before getting your ductwork replaced.
- Prepare for ductwork replacement by calculating the square footage of your property.
- Remove the old ductwork and clean the surrounding area
- Hire a professional to install the new ductwork to ensure everything is up to code.
When To Choose Duct Replacement
Duct replacement is a big investment, but it ensures you have a functional system. Here are the signs that it is time to replace your ductwork:
- If the age of your ductwork is over 15 to 20 years, it needs to be replaced
- Extensive mold growth in liners is an indicator that your ductwork needs replacement.
- Rodent nests or chewed materials are signs that duct replacement is required.
- Extreme damage like crushed ducts or water damage means it is time to replace your ductwork.
- Bad smells and rotting are indicators that your ductwork is in need of replacement.
Duct Repair Vs. Duct Replacement
There are different scenarios in which duct repair and duct replacement are required. It is important to understand the differences in each scenario in order to make the most of your ductwork system.
Benefits Of Replacing Your Ductwork Instead Of Repairing It
- Replacing your ductwork ensures you have a new, functioning system.
- A ductwork replacement will last longer than continuing to patch up an older system.
- Replacing your ductwork can save you money in the long run by not spending it on constant repairs.
Benefits Of Repairing Your Ductwork Instead Of Replacing It
- A benefit of repairing your ductwork is that it costs less compared to investing in an entire new system.
- Repairing your existing ductwork can be more beneficial than replacement because you already have a ductwork system that works for your space.
Duct Sealing Vs. Duct Replacement
There are different times when duct sealing or duct replacement are ideal, and it varies depending on your ductwork’s damages and needs.
Benefits Of Replacing Your Ductwork Instead Of Resealing It
- Improved air quality is a key benefit of replacing your ductwork instead of resealing it.
- Replacing your ductwork will create a fixed airflow and better structure.
- Replacing ductwork can be financially better than resealing in the long run if damages are extreme.
Benefits Of Resealing Your Ductwork Instead Of Replacing It
- Resealing your ductwork instead of replacing costs less than a full replacement.
- Duct resealing works well if you already have a functional system.
- A benefit of resealing your ductwork is that it takes less time to fix.
Contact PROAC For All Of Your Duct Replacement, & Duct Repair Needs
For professional duct replacement, duct repair, duct resealing, or duct cleaning, contact PROAC today. We can give you expert advice on which duct service best fits your property’s needs.