If you think that your HVAC system is inefficient or you get consistently high energy bills, look out for these six common duct problems.

  1. Poor Design. …
  2. Improper Insulation. …
  3. Dirty Ducts. …
  4. Inadequate Airflow (Kinks/Twists) …
  5. Leaking Ductwork. …
  6. Poorly Sealed Registers and Grills.

How do you know if ductwork is bad?

Common Signs of Bad Ductwork

  1. Old Ductwork. …
  2. Insufficient Airflow. …
  3. Poor Cooling Performance. …
  4. Punctures, Dents, or Leaks. …
  5. Odorous Air or Mold. …
  6. Noisy AC Operation. …
  7. Poor Design or Installation. …
  8. Take the Guesswork Out of Maintenance.


What can go wrong with ductwork?

Dirty air ducts can distribute dust, pollen, dirt, germs, mold, mildew and more throughout your home. To protect your indoor air quality, be certain to have ductwork inspected for possible contamination and cleaned when necessary.

What is a common mistake in ductwork installation?

Improper Placement



Another common mistake is improper ductwork placement. You can’t just put it anywhere you want. In fact, you need to pay close attention to the flow of air when you’re installing it, as every ductwork needs to have a smooth transition from one part of your home to another.

What is a common cause of noise in ducts?

The most common reasons to hear noise in your HVAC ducts include: Air Pressure: A buildup of pressure can cause rumbling sounds. It can also cause the metal to expand and contract. When the system comes on, air pushes against the walls of ducts, expanding them.

How do I check my ductwork?

Turn your HVAC system on and return to the areas where ductwork is accessible. Check the connections between each section of duct, placing your hand over the metal. If you feel air against your hand, the connection is loose and there is an air leak. A common place for leaks is the duct joints.

When should ducting be replaced?

15 years old

“If your ductwork is over 15 years old, you probably should replace it. Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. By 15 years, however, it begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency, so replacement is the prudent option.”

What is a collapsed air duct?

Over time, some parts of the air duct can become weak and completely collapse. This collapse can happen for several reasons, but the primary is old age. This type of collapse can lead to a partial or a complete collapse of sections of the ductwork. As a result, it can restrict airflow to a certain part of the home.

Does Flex duct spoil?

Flex duct will deteriorate over time. But during its best years, what matters most is that the duct system delivers proper airflow and temperatures from the equipment to the conditioned space. This is where proper testing and installation comes into play.

How do I fix a hole in my air duct?


Quote from Youtube video: First I'll apply a layer of sealing. And then a patch of cloth. And more sealant on top. That's the whole repair. And you don't have to do much more than this it dries really. Quick.

How can I make my HVAC ducts quieter?

How to Soundproof Ductwork and Vents in Your Home

  1. Make Repairs to the vent or ductwork. …
  2. Choose Sound Absorbing or Soundproofing Materials For Your Vents or Ductwork. …
  3. Insulate the Ducts With Liners & Vents With Acoustic Foam. …
  4. Cover Unused Vents to Dampen Sound.

How do you fix noisy duct expansion?

What can you do? Short of covering all your ducts with fiberglass insulation, or opening them up and inserting acoustic duct liners, the best you can hope for is a modest reduction in the noise. Use rubber pads to isolate ducts from wood.

Why is my AC so loud inside my house?

If excess noise is coming from the indoor components, such as the ductwork or vents, there may be something obstructing the airflow. Dander, dust, and even small animals can get stuck in the ductwork of your system.

How can you tell if your air ducts are leaking?

How Can I Tell if My Air Ducts Are Leaking?

  • Unexplained Higher Energy Bills. …
  • Uneven Heating and/or Cooling Throughout Your Home. …
  • Difficulty Heating Rooms in Winter and Cooling them in Summer. …
  • Excessive Amount of Dust in Your Home. …
  • Duct Visual Indications––Rusted, Crushed, Kinked, Old Tape at Seals.

How long do AC ducts last?

about 10-15 years

Ducts are designed to last for about 10-15 years on average. They are made from a combination of materials such as fiberglass and plastic. At some point, these ducts will get damaged. The sooner you see signs of damage and do something about it, the better.

How do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned?

4 Signs that Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning

  1. Dust and debris during start-up. One of the best ways to tell if your ducts need cleaning is to check how much dust and debris are blown out when starting your heating unit. …
  2. Mold growth. …
  3. You notice rodents or insects. …
  4. The presence of carbon monoxide.


Is duct cleaning a waste of money?

Because we believe it’s a waste of money for our customers.



Here is what they concluded: “Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts.

How often should ducts be cleaned?

every 3 to 5 years

Just like any other HVAC system, air ducts require regular maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency. As a general rule of thumb, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years. With certain methods, that cleaning recommendation can be extended to 6 to 8 years.

What happens if you don’t clean air ducts?

Over time, without proper air duct cleaning and maintenance, the moisture will start to grow mold and mildew. The real problem here is due to what your ducts do: disperse air throughout a structure. If you have moldy air ducts, that mold is going to be blown all through your home or business.

How can I clean my ducts myself?

Steps for Cleaning Your Air Ducts

  1. Remove vent covers and wash them. Remove your vent covers with your screwdriver. …
  2. Cover vent openings with paper towels. Cover the openings to your supply registers with a few paper towels. …
  3. Loosen the dust. …
  4. Vacuum it up. …
  5. Change your air filter. …
  6. Replace vent covers.


Can I clean my own air ducts?

When it comes to the nitty gritty, cleaning air ducts is not a do-it-yourself job. It requires tools, such as a high-powered vacuum and rotary brushes, that you don’t have lying around in the garage. In addition, an improper cleaning job could damage the ducts, resulting in expensive repairs.