Top 3 Considerations For Your Home's Air Duct Replacement

Are you looking to replace your residential air duct system? Air duct replacement is a big decision. Your preferred air ducts will be responsible for distributing heated or cooled air throughout your home, so you want to get the best one for your needs. Consider these crucial factors when weighing up your air duct options.

Ductwork Sizing 

Your HVAC system requires correctly sized air ducts to heat or cool your home effectively and efficiently. If the air ducts are too small, they will not deliver enough conditioned air to your living spaces. As a result, your heating and air conditioning units will struggle to make your home interior as comfortable as you want.

On the other hand, oversized air ducts may strain your HVAC equipment due to their extra capacity. These air ducts will carry more heated or cooled air than is required for your comfort, resulting in increased energy bills.

Knowing your residential heating and cooling loads will allow you to calculate the proper size of air ducts for your home to minimize inefficiencies.

Air Duct Type

Not all air ducts are created equal. They come in a selection of shapes and materials to fit different homeowners' heating and cooling requirements. Generally, all air duct systems fall into two main categories—rigid or flexible. Sheet metal, fiberglass, and fiberboard are the most popular options for rigid ductwork while flexible ducts are typically made of a plastic polymer fitted over steel wire coils.

The air duct system you choose for your home will determine the ease or complexity of the installation process and what materials you can choose from.

Air Duct Replacement Cost

Replacing your air ducts can cost a lot of money. For this reason, it's important to compare prices before making an investment decision. Several factors will impact the total cost of your air duct replacement. These include the size of your home, the ease or complexity of the installation process, and the materials used. Consider not just the upfront cost but the long-term value of your ductwork replacement to make the correct decision.

For example, flexible ducts generally cost less than all three rigid system air duct alternatives because they are cheaper to buy and easier to install. However, they can impede airflow, as they are more susceptible to interference from compression. Plus, they may not last as long due to the increased risk of tears, punctures, and other physical damage. 

HVAC ductwork replacement requires professional handling to do it correctly and safely. Attempting to replace your air duct yourself can result in installation mistakes that could cost you a lot of money in the long term.

Contact an HVAC contractor to learn more about air duct replacement.