For the hot and humid summers that San Marcos faces (along with its mild winters), your homes and commercial buildings need AC systems that can keep up.
Air conditioners and ductwork go hand in hand. The indoor air quality and comfort level of your home or business depends on both the HVAC unit and the air ducts.
Wondering whether you should upgrade your ductwork along with your new AC?
We’ve put together some information to help you answer this question.
Why Should You Replace Your Ductwork?
With any building upgrade, you have to wonder if it’ll be worth your money. Here’s how new ductwork can improve your home or business.
New ductwork is more energy efficient
Spending money on new ductwork can actually help you save on your monthly utility bills. Your air conditioner won’t need to work as hard to cool your home or business, thanks to brand new air ducts. The AC will use less energy, which helps lower your electricity bill.
In turn, this can extend the lifespan of your AC. Faulty ductwork forces the system to work harder to control the temperature, which puts extra strain on its components.
You’ll get the most out of your new AC
Investing in a new HVAC unit is a significant expense for homeowners and commercial building owners. You want to make sure that your money is well spent.
Your HVAC system will operate at maximum efficiency when paired with leak free ductwork.
Your home or commercial building will be more comfortable
We’ve all dealt with a home that’s hot in one room and freezing in another.
In the workplace, inconsistent temperatures in offices and boardrooms can directly affect productivity. Staff members will have a harder time focusing when they feel uncomfortable.
With new ductwork, your air conditioner will have a much easier time regulating temperatures throughout your home or workplace.
Signs That Your Ductwork Needs To Be Replaced
If you notice any of these issues, it might be time for a ductwork upgrade.
It’s nearing the end of its lifespan
When you sniff a carton of last month’s milk, you know immediately when it’s gone bad. Ductwork isn’t so obvious.
Like most systems, ductwork only lasts so long. After enough years of use, it begins to break down. The average lifespan of ductwork is 20 to 25 years.
Find out when your ductwork was installed. If it’s older than 15 years, its quality has likely begun to deteriorate. Dust and debris may be restricting airflow. Consider upgrading your ductwork along with your AC if it’s past its prime.
You notice a strange odor
If you notice a musty smell in your home that won’t go away no matter how much you clean, the culprit could be your ductwork.
The cool air from your new AC unit will be spoiled by moldy ducts. Instead of enjoying a comfortable indoor temperature, you’ll be distracted by an unpleasant scent.
The ducts are leaking
When your ductwork leaks the air your AC works so hard to cool, you’ll notice it in your monthly bills and in the comfort level of your home.
It’s estimated that most homes lose 20 to 30 percent of their air due to leaky ductwork. This is wasteful and expensive. Brand new ductwork won’t have leaks or blockages, so you can avoid these inefficiencies.
So, should you replace your ductwork or let your new air conditioner do the job?
The answer depends on the age and performance of your ducts. They might only need a tune up, or you may benefit more from a full replacement.
Comfy Air offers AC repair in San Marcos. Whether your ductwork needs a repair or a replacement, we’ve got you covered.
