Yes, you should replace your ductwork after 20 years if it is degraded, damaged, or unsuited to your next AC installation.

Ductwork carries air throughout your home to ensure that interiors stay dry and comfortable. Older, damaged, or degraded ductwork can reduce AC efficiency and end up costing you in comfort and energy bills.

Key Takeaways: Ductwork Replacement Long Island

• Ductwork lasts an average of 20 to 25 years.
• Degraded ducts can lose air and increase your heating and cooling costs.
• Soundview HVAC is a trusted local team for ductwork installation in Suffolk County.

What’s the Problem with Old HVAC Ducts?

Although they’re out of sight, the air ducts in your Suffolk County home are crucial for comfort. They transport air to and from your central air conditioner or furnace, helping to keep your living areas healthy and comfortable.

Like your air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace, ducts have a limited lifespan. Most last around 20 to 25 years. As they age, they can leak air and increase the amount of dust that moves around your home.

Consider these problems that occur with old HVAC ducts in your home:

• Ducts develop holes and cracks. A few bad spots can be repaired, but extensive damage usually makes a whole-home ductwork replacement more cost-efficient.
• Energy costs increase as your ducts degrade. Your Suffolk County HVAC system will work harder to get treated air flowing throughout your home.
• Your equipment will age faster if your ducts are in bad shape. For example, an AC will work harder in summer with longer compressor cycles if the ducts are in poor condition.
• Your home won’t feel comfortable. Older and damaged ducts can’t move as much air, so you will notice weaker heating and cooling, depending on the season.
• You will watch your energy bills increase as your heating and cooling equipment struggle to maintain your thermostat setting.

Some of these symptoms also occur when your HVAC equipment is near its replacement age. If you have a central system with older ducts, your installer will check these to ensure that they’re suitable for your next upgrade. An expert heating and cooling contractor can test and physically inspect your old ducts to recommend repair or replacement.

Upgrading Ducts for a New Air Conditioner or Heat Pump

Your older ducts might not be suitable for a high-efficiency heat pump or central air conditioner. Newer units have higher pressure and airflow requirements, which old ductwork often fails to meet.

While a complete ductwork replacement adds to the cost of HVAC installation, it will ultimately be more cost-efficient. Newer equipment uses less energy. Upgrading your ducts will ensure that your home is comfortable in any season.

Have Your HVAC Ducts Inspected by Long Island’s Best Heating and Cooling Contractor

Are your heating and air conditioning ducts 20+ years old? It’s time to have them inspected to ensure that your system is efficient.

Talk to the team at Soundview HVAC to book an HVAC duct inspection today. If it’s time to replace your air conditioner, let us know about your ductwork age, and we will inspect the entire system as part of the planning and consultation process.

We have served Suffolk County since 2000. Call us at 631-209-1744 for any of your home comfort needs.