Do You Need to Replace Your Ductwork?

Ductwork might not seem like a big deal, but it's an important part of getting the heated and cooled air from your HVAC unit to the rooms in your home. Little gaps here and there along the ductwork can add up to a lot of wasted conditioned air — which can mean a lot of wasted money.

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Ductwork replacement is an option if your old ductwork is in poor condition, but it's not necessary for every issue your ductwork may face over the course of its life.

At What Point Should Old Ductwork Be Replaced?

Ductwork replacement becomes necessary when your current system can't carry the air efficiently. That usually happens if the ducts become damaged or deteriorate significantly. Here are some situations that call for new ductwork:

Gaps, holes or indentations: Damage to your ductwork can make the system inefficient. A significant amount of cold or warm air produced by the HVAC unit gets lost into walls, attic spaces, basements and other unused areas when there are large openings in your ductwork. You can fix some minor gaps or replace smaller sections, but replacing everything may be necessary when damage is extensive.

Poor design: The location and layout of the stretches affect how well air travels through them. A system with many sharp turns and bends can interfere with airflow. You might also have issues if the ductwork is improperly sized or the installer used the wrong material. Replacing ductwork corrects those issues.

Ineffective heating and cooling: When ductwork doesn't let air flow freely, it can keep your home from reaching an ideal temperature. Your HVAC system may also work harder to compensate for airflow issues, which puts more strain on the components.

Decrease in performance: You might notice changes in the way your system works. A decrease in air quality could be a sign of damage to the ductwork that's allowing dust inside. Bad ducts might produce rattling or whistling sounds. Increased utility bills could also be an indicator of ductwork issues when the HVAC unit works harder to compensate.

Some of these signs can also be due to other HVAC issues. A professional inspection can determine if you need to replace your ductwork or if there's another cause.

How Long Does HVAC Ductwork Last?

Ductwork typically lasts anywhere from 10 to 25 years, depending on the quality of materials, how well it was installed and how you take care of it. However, ductwork starts gradually deteriorating as it gets older. Even if it lasts for 25 years, it's likely a lot less efficient than new materials would be.

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How Hard Is It to Replace Ductwork?

Installing new ductwork might seem simple, but it's a complex task that needs to be done correctly for your HVAC system to function well. Accessing ductwork in the ceilings and walls is challenging. A professional knows what type of ductwork to use in different situations and has the tools to install it properly. They know how to secure the ductwork properly to ensure it has ample support. You might also hire a professional if your current ductwork system doesn't work well. They may need to redesign the layout to make it more efficient.

Is It Expensive to Replace Ductwork?

According to data from HomeGuide, you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $5,600 (CAD 1,964 and CAD 7,857) for ductwork replacement services, but you could pay more if you have a larger home. The cost typically runs between $25 and $55 (CAD 35 and CAD 77) per linear foot. You may also have to pay between $40 and $100 (CAD 56 and CAD 140) to have an inspection performed before you can get accurate quotes.

The material used also impacts the price. Flexible, non-insulated ductwork averages $1 to $3 (CAD 1.40 to CAD 4.21) per linear foot for the materials, while rigid sheet metal ducts have an average materials cost of $7 to $13 (CAD 9.82 and CAD 18) per linear foot.

Despite the up-front costs, ductwork installation should save you money on your utility bills. Ductwork replacement saves anywhere from 10% to 40% on energy costs. New ductwork can also put less strain on your HVAC system, which helps it last longer, and your home is likely to feel more comfortable and have improved air quality after ductwork repairs.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.