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Key Takeaways

• If your energy bills are high and the temperature in different rooms isn’t even, your air vents are likely leaking or broken. 
• A lot of dust, musty smells, and bad air quality inside often mean that the ductwork is dirty or moldy. 
• Noisy vents and damage to the ducts are signs that they need to be replaced because they are old or not appropriately linked. 
• For better health and efficiency, ducts that are more than 15 years old or have been infested with pests should be changed. 
• Replacing the ducts and insulating the attic together makes the home much more comfortable, improves the air quality, and saves a lot of energy.

If the air in your home feels dirty or musty, or if your energy bills are through the roof, then it is time for air duct replacement. Read on to find out if your ducts are hurting your health, comfort, and wallet without you knowing it. 

Did you know? According to a report by Energy Star, 20% to 30% of the air in a typical home’s duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Not only is that a waste of energy, but it’s also uncomfortable and harmful for the air quality.

If your ducts are old, broken, or just not working well, getting them fixed could make your home healthier, lower your bills, and make the air better. 

Let’s look at the 10 signs that your air ducts need to be replaced right away.

Top Signs It’s Time for New Ductwork

1. Sky-High Energy Bills Every Month

• Your energy bills have gone up even though your usage hasn’t changed..
• Air that is being cooled or heated can escape through pipes that are leaky or old. This makes your HVAC system work harder and longer.
• The air will be delivered efficiently by new pipes that are tightly sealed. Your energy bills go down because your HVAC doesn’t have to work too hard.

2. Some Rooms Are Too Hot or Too Cold

• Even though the temperature is set just right, one room feels like a sauna and another like an ice-cold box.
• When temperatures aren’t stable, airflow is low because ducts are stopped or leaking.
• When ducts are put correctly, they restore balanced airflow, which makes your whole home feel consistently comfortable.

3. Banging, Rattling, or Popping Noises

• When the heater or air conditioner turns on, you hear strange sounds.
• Vents that are cracked, sagging, or loose can move and vibrate when air runs through them.
• When new ducts are properly secured, sized, and installed, they stop making annoying noises and raise the air pressure.

4. Dust Seems to Multiply Overnight

• There’s always dust on your floors and furniture, even if you clean them often.
• When your ducts are broken, they bring dirt and other things from your attics or crawl spaces into your living spaces.
• Dirt and untreated air from outside can’t get into your home’s air system after a proper air duct installation.

5. Musty or Moldy Odors Indoors

• When the air conditioner is on, your house smells musty.
• Mold can grow in old or leaky ducts when they get wet, which can make breathing problems worse.
• Getting rid of moldy ducts and replacing them with clean ones returns healthy, fresh-smelling air inside.

6. Your Ductwork Is Over 15 Years Old

• It’s been years since you moved in, but your air system hasn’t been changed.
• Materials used to make older ducts can sag, rust, or separate at the joints.
• The new pipes last longer and use less energy. Plus, newer methods are safer and better at keeping heat in.

7. You See Visible Duct Damage

• In your attic or basement, you see duct lines that are missing, broken, or with holes or gaps in them.
• The visible damage means air is leaving, and your HVAC system is using too much energy to try to make up for it.
• A fresh ductwork replacement ensures that the system is tightly sealed, has smooth airflow, and doesn’t lose any air.

8. Poor Indoor Air Quality

• You or your family members are experiencing frequent allergies, headaches, or dry eyes a lot inside.
• When your ducts are dirty or leaky, they spread dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander all over your house.
• With the new pipes, contaminants can’t get into the system. This means that every day you breathe cleaner, healthier air.

9. HVAC Runs Constantly and Still Doesn’t Work Well

• Even though your heater or air conditioner is on all day, your home still feels hot or cold.
• Your vents are either leaking air or getting clogged, which is making your HVAC work nonstop.
• Proper AC duct replacement improves the airflow efficiency, which lets your system heat and cool more quickly and with less effort.

10. Past Pest Infestation in Your Ducts

• You’ve had bugs, rodents, or other unwanted guests in your attic or basement.
• Rodents chew holes in pipes and leave behind urine, feces, and droppings, which spread germs.
• New ductwork removes the risk of leftover trash or damage and includes upgrades to keep pests out.

Quick Table: Should You Repair or Replace Your Ducts?

Don’t Forget the Role of Attic Insulation

When you replace your ducts, you should inspect your attic insulation too.. Insulation that is old, thin, or broken lets heat come in during the summer and escape during the winter. When paired with air duct installation, new insulation can:

• Make HVAC work better
• Boost the indoor comfort
• Lower monthly energy cost
• Make your HVAC system last longer.

Combining insulation of the attic with air duct replacement makes a big difference in how your home feels all year-round.

Breathe Easier and Save More Starting Today!

There is no better time to act than now if you have seen any of these warning signs. It can cost you more in the long run to put off fixes or ignore problems. This is true not only for money, but also for your health and comfort.

When you need air duct replacement, you can trust My Insulation Guy. Thanks to their reliable service and expert installations, they’ve helped thousands of homes to enjoy cleaner air and lower energy bills. Visit our website or contact us today to get a free consultation.

FAQs

1. What are some signs that my ducts need to be changed?

If your energy bills are going up, the air is dirty, or the temperatures aren’t staying the same, you may need to update your ducts. It can be proven by a professional check.

2. Should I get new air ducts or clean the ones I have?

Mild buildup can be cleaned off. But replacing the ducts is better and more effective if they are broken, moldy, or more than 15 years old.

3. Can replacing my AC ducts really help me save money on my energy bills?

Yes. With new pipes, less air will leak out, making your HVAC system work better. You’ll save money and energy this way.

4. Should I replace insulation with ductwork?

Of course. Insulating your attic keeps the temperature inside stable and lowers heat loss, which is especially important if you’re already replacing your pipes.

5. How long does it take to make new air ducts?

About one to two days for most houses. Larger or more complicated houses may take a little longer.