Do You Need Ductwork Replacement When Replacing Your AC System?

Replacing your heating and air conditioning system can be a stressful time to homeowners, especially if the current systems is not working. Most homeowners do not think about replacing AC systems until repair bills start to mount, the AC unit has had a complete breakdown, or they find that their HVAC unit is not getting to temperature, especially during the heat of the day. If your air conditioning system is not working, most homeowners are solely focused on replacing the AC unit and do not want to be bothered with replacing their ductwork to match their new air conditioning system.

Your ductwork is an essential part of your air conditioning system and should never be neglected. Ductwork that is damaged, leaking, or has come apart severely impacts the efficiency of your HVAC system. Improperly maintained ductwork can lead to your power bill rising, cause your AC system to work harder thereby shortening its lifespan and can lead to more dust, microbials and dirt getting into your home impacting your indoor air quality.

Damaged Ductwork
While it is rare to have ductwork repaired since there are no moving parts, ductwork can get damaged. Damage can occur when you have major remodeling performed, cable or new plumbing installed through the attic or rodent infestation. If ductwork is kicked or stepped on by workers accessing your attic, it can separate causing your air-conditioned air to cool your attic instead of your home. Rodents will chew holes through ductwork, they love ductwork! Now they can run through your ductwork as well as your attic area. If you have recently had work done in your home and then noticed your air flow is not as great as it used to be, it may be your ductwork and not your air conditioning system.

Improper duct design
In addition to leaks, improperly designed ductwork is one of the leading causes of HVAC energy losses because the system can’t circulate air to heat or cool your home efficiently or effectively. Even if the HVAC equipment is the right size, inadequate duct design can prevent its proper function. 

Loss of Efficiency
In general, ductwork today is designed and calculated with greater accuracy than what was done 15-20+ years ago. Correct sizing of ductwork is critical for today’s higher efficiency systems as well as for overall home comfort and balancing. If you’re installing a new 20 SEER AC system but keeping your ductwork that is 15-20 years old, you have a high probability of handicapping your new high efficiency system. AC systems designed today must meet more stringent government efficiency standards. These standards require that systems move a more accurate and appropriate volume of air than systems designed years ago. If your duct system is not designed or sized properly the air volume will not flow thru the equipment or the home properly to meet these updated standards. This causes new equipment to work harder as well as beyond the engineered design for volume, dehumidification, and efficiency. This could cause your new 20 SEER system to operate equivalent to a 16-17 SEER efficiency. Losing up to 15% efficiency on a new AC system is not cost effective to do when purchasing a new system and would also increase the cost of monthly electric bills.

Resolving Ductwork Issues

There are several ways to determine if your ductwork, all, or some of it, needs to be addressed with your new AC installation. A visual inspection of the ductwork can be done for cracks, leaks, holes, and degradation. During a visual inspection we can also determine if your ductwork is the proper size for the new AC system you have chosen or if some of it will need to be replaced. We always refer to the Manufacturer Specs when we evaluate your current ductwork. Ductwork requirements differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. In some instances, manufacturers may not warranty the equipment if duct modifications are not made to the manufacturer specifications.

Peace of Mind
The best advice we can give any of our customers is this, do your research! This is especially true if you-

· Know your systems has had more than 2 repairs in the last 12 months

· Know your system is over ten years old

· Know you will be replacing your system in the next year or two

It costs you nothing to research brands, models, efficiency, warranties, and rebates. If you prepare for an eventual replacement, you’ll not only be prepared with what is best for your home and pocketbook – you won’t be making quick decisions in the heat of the summer when your AC system has completely failed. Get your free estimate now, including any ductwork replacement or repair that may be needed, so you know what your AC system replacement will cost.

Call us today for your free estimate on a new air conditioning system and ductwork evaluation. 

Four Seasons Air Conditioning, Inc. has been serving the Venice, FL, North Port, FL, Englewood, FL, Port Charlotte, FL, Punta Gorda, FL, and surrounding areas for over 36 years. For all your air conditioning service, AC installation, HVAC maintenance needs call us 24/7/365 – We Always Answer, Never Voicemail!