If you are planning on installing a new air conditioner in your home, you should think about the replacement of HVAC ducts. The ductwork in your house is responsible for ensuring that the cooled air from your AC unit is distributed correctly. If your ducted air conditioning system cannot perform this task efficiently, you will not gain the full benefit of your purchased air conditioning appliance. On the other hand, you should note that duct replacement can be an expensive undertaking. You will need to account for the cost of tubing purchase, old ducts removal and installation of the new products. If you are uncertain whether the replacement of your ductwork is the right move, consider the factors below before making a decision.

Ductwork Placement

You should check on the placement of your current ductwork before installing your new AC. The position of these tubes can have an impact on the performance of the HVAC system. Therefore, if the network is unfavourably placed, you should plan for replacement. For instance, if the ducts in your home are primarily installed in the attic, you should take the opportunity to make changes. The attic experienced constant changes in temperature. So, the efficiency of the ductwork will be compromised even if you have good insulation. In simple terms, your cooled air is likely to gain heat, and this will force your new AC to work harder and wear prematurely.

Condition of the Ducts

You should have the ducts inspected before choosing to replace or retain these air conduits. In general, HVAC ducts are long-lasting because they are fabricated using materials such as steel and aluminium sheet metal. However, they are not everlasting and will degrade over time. For instance, the metal might be corroded, and the insulation might have become worn out. If you have fibreboard ducts, they might have sustained damage from moisture ingress. An inspection will reveal the exact condition of the ductwork structures. If they are on the verge of permanent failure, you should commission replacement before installing the new AC.

Compatibility

Finally, you should make sure that your old ducts are compatible with the requirements of your new air conditioner. If your ductwork and the appliance are mismatched, you should begin budgeting for tubing. For example, your old AC unit might have been small. And if you use the old network, your ducts will not be able to handle higher air handling demands. Replacing the ducting will ensure that you gain the full benefits of the new air conditioner. 

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