If your home’s air ducts are more than 15 years old, it may be time to replace them. Newer, more energy-efficient ductwork can save you money on your heating and cooling bills – as much as 30% annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s because properly sealed and insulated ductwork minimises heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
Why replacing air ducts is beneficial
While your air ducts may not be something you think about often, they play a crucial role in your home’s comfort and air quality. Over time, however, they can become clogged with dust and debris, which can lead to reduced airflow and less efficient heating and cooling. Replacing your air ducts is one of the best ways to improve your home’s comfort and indoor air quality. Ducts that are damaged or lined with insulation or sheets of plastic can cause uncomfortable drafts, poor heat and cooling efficiency, and even structural damage to your home. If you have a forced air system, Clean Air Restoration recommends having the ducts cleaned and sealed every three to five years.
Health benefits
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, poor indoor air quality is one of the top five environmental health risks. Dust, mould, pollen, and other airborne contaminants can cause a variety of respiratory problems, including allergies, asthma, and other lung diseases.
One of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is to replace your old air ducts with new ones. Ducts that are more than 20 years old can be filled with dust, mould spores, and other allergens. Replacing your ducts will not only improve the quality of the air you breathe, but it will also make your home more energy-efficient.
Newer air ducts are better able to seal in conditioned air and prevent outside contaminants from entering your home. This means that your furnace or air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home.
Economic benefits
When it comes to your home’s energy efficiency, your air ducts play a big role. If your air ducts are old or damaged, they can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder than necessary, wasting energy and driving up your utility bills. Call for estimates and replacing your air ducts can help improve your home’s energy efficiency in a number of ways.
For one, new air ducts are less likely to have leaks. Even small leaks in your ductwork can cause heated or cooled air to escape before it ever reaches its destination, leading to wasted energy. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaky ductwork is responsible for wasting as much as 30% of the heat or cool air produced by your HVAC system.
Environmental benefits
You may not think about your air ducts very often, but they play a crucial role in heating and cooling your home. If your ducts are old or damaged, they can cause your heating and cooling system to work less efficiently, leading to higher energy bills.
Replacing your air ducts can have a number of benefits for both your wallet and the environment. Newer, more efficient ducts can help reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, which are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, using less energy can also help save money on your utility bills.
So if you’re thinking about replacing your air ducts, consider not only the cost savings but also the environmental benefits. It’s a win-win for you and the planet.
Conclusion
If your home is more than 20 years old, there’s a good chance your air ducts are made of fibreglass, metal or asbestos. These materials degrade over time and can release harmful particles into your home’s air supply.
Replacing your air ducts is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality and reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants. Newer air ducts are made of plastic or other materials that don’t degrade and release particles into the air.
In addition to improving indoor air quality, replacing your air ducts can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency. Older, leaky ductwork can account for up to 30 percent of wasted energy in a typical home. By sealing and insulating your new air ducts, you can dramatically reduce your energy bills.
