Decide If It’s Time to Replace Your Ductwork

Ductwork is the key component of your HVAC system that delivers conditioned air to all the rooms in your home. Since it's hidden away behind your ceilings and walls, you may not realize the duct system is in poor condition and having a negative impact on your energy bills, comfort and indoor air quality. Here are some subtle warning signs of deteriorating ducts that are easy to identify:

• Temperature variations in different areas, and hot or cold spots.

• Excessive dust on the registers, household surfaces and furniture.

• Worsening allergies, asthma and other breathing problems.

• Evidence of mold growth inside the HVAC system.

• Rising heating and cooling costs due to a loss of energy efficiency.

Factors to Weigh When Deciding on Duct Replacement

If you're experiencing the symptoms of ductwork problems, you can weigh the following factors to help you decide if it's due for replacement:

• Workmanship and age. If the duct system wasn't designed well, made from quality materials and installed correctly, it may only have a 10- to 15-year service life.

• Condition of the accessible ducting. Take a close look at the exposed ducting in your crawl space, attic or garage for issues such as disconnected spans, leaky joints, dust streaks near the seams, or rust and corrosion.

• Airflow inconsistencies and temperature variations. Reduced air volume at some registers and temperature differences between rooms can be symptoms of hidden duct problems such as collapsed or disconnected sections, decaying sealant or missing insulation.

• Air leakage. If you want to know the extent of air leakage in the ducts, get a blower test performed. During the test, the ducts are pressurized and the amount of airflow needed to maintain that pressure is measured to calculate air loss.

If you need help deciding if replacement is your best option, have the duct system inspected by an experienced HVAC professional. A knowledgeable contractor will make sure new ducts are properly designed and installed, then sealed, insulated, and tested for leaks.

For expert advice about whether it's time to replace the ductwork in your Broken Arrow home, contact us today at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “iQoncept/Shutterstock”

Ductwork Redo or Replacement: Flex Metal or Rigid?

It used to be that the most important rules to know about ducting were "Don’t stand on it," and "Don’t use duct tape to repair it after you do." With an increased awareness of all things efficiency-related, though, things have changed. Here in the Tulsa metro area, with a documented high of 115 degrees and a record low of minus 12 in 2011, efficient HVAC is a big deal. If you’re considering a ductwork redo or replacement, there are several factors to balance when deciding: flex metal, or rigid?Inherent ProblemsFlex duct is unarguably easier to damage, and over the years our lofts and crawl spaces see several visitors -- the cable guy, the electrician, the plumber -- to whom HVAC installations aren’t a priority.The flex duct itself, though, isn’t to blame when it’s stamped on or kicked. That said, it does have some inherent problems that are addressed by a rigid installation:• Flex fails most often where it kinks or makes sharp turns.• Long, poorly supported runs of flex duct sag, stress and separate.Rigid ducting systems, often called hard pipe, are prone to their own brand of installer pitfalls, particularly extra duct length:• If cutting-off is awkward, or just too time-consuming, unnecessary dead-end extents are sometimes capped off and left. They are vampires, silently sucking away at your energy budget.• Connections that are poorly fastened and sealed are sometimes not as easy to visually identify in a rigid installation, so can remain unattended-to for longer.Food for ThoughtHere are some factors to take into consideration when debating between a ductwork redo or replacement, particularly when choosing between flex metal and rigid (the pros and cons of are, of course, reversible):• Flex is practically impossible to clean.• Flex is less efficient at retaining the temperature changes effected on treated air.• Rigid is more time-consuming to install.• Rigid is more expensive -- often quite conspicuously so -- at initial purchase.Air Assurance maintains a staff of over 60 technicians, all fully conversant with ductwork issues. Contact us to arrange a free in-home consultation.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Suspect a Ductwork Issue? Some Common Reasons to Call for Help

Suspect a Ductwork Issue? Some Common Reasons to Call for Help

Airflow obstructions can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which take place where you can't see them: in the ductwork. In addition to compromising your comfort, airflow issues can lead to energy waste, which will create noticeable increases in utility expenses.If you suspect a ductwork issue, there are a few things you can check on your own. Otherwise, there are some common duct issues that will require a call to an HVAC professional.Here are some common airflow issues you can check on your own:

• Dirty or clogged filters

• Obstructed vents

• Obstructed air intakes

If these don't seem to be the cause, it could be one of the following:Leaky ducts. If your ducts haven't been well maintained, and have developed leaks over the years, your conditioned air is able to escape into unconditioned spaces before it reaches your living space. In addition to obstructing airflow, duct leaks are a major source of energy waste. Once your technician has sealed the leaks, you will notice an immediate difference in interior comfort and lower utility bills.Obstructed ducts. There are a variety of reasons ducts can become obstructed. Sometimes it is the result of pest infestations. Obstructions can be the result of construction debris, dust and other debris that accumulates over time. Interior duct insulation can eventually collapse, which can also cause obstructions. Your HVAC contractor will remove any obstructions and may need to make some repairs depending on what he finds.Disconnected ducts. Sections of ducts are joined together via a series of connectors and joints. If the connections are just beginning to separate, it can cause the air to seep out. However, a major disconnection will completely shut down your air supply.Flex duct issues. Flex ducts are a popular choice for new duct designs because they are more flexible and eliminate the need for cumbersome and inefficient joints and connections. If the flex material collapses, or becomes compromised, it will obstruct air flow.Do you suspect your ductwork may have airflow problems? Call Air Assurance for help. We have provided superior ductwork design and maintenance for our Tulsa area clientele since 1985.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock