Central air conditioning units make use of the ductwork around the house to deliver warm or cool air. These ducts connect directly through HVAC systems, and each vent has a separate air filter to provide clean air into the room.
When the supply ducts are faulty, they may provide inadequate airflow. You won't get to make the most out of your air conditioning system as the ducts fail to deliver treated air into your space, causing you to overwork your AC unit to achieve the desired temperature on your thermostat. Maintaining your duct systems is a must for any AC unit.
Diagnosing a Faulty Air Ducts
#1 Weak Air Flow
Faulty air ducts will deliver weak air flow around your home as the air escapes through holes and cracks in the air ducts. When this happens, your HVAC system may be working fine, but you don't feel the regular air flow you usually do. Check whether your heating and cooling system is functioning properly, then check the air ducts for visible damage.
#2 Visible Dents and Cracks
Upon inspection, you may notice holes, cracks, or rusted spots in your air ducts. While these won't directly damage your HVAC system, they can limit the air flowing through your home. You won't get adequate air flow as air escapes through the cracks. Dents, on the other hand, are weak points that can disrupt airflow.
#3 Weird Odors and Sounds
Weird smells or sounds coming from the air ducts can indicate a problem. You may have broken parts that are hitting against the walls of the air ducts, or pests crawling through the air ducts, and can chew on the components of the HVAC system. You may have holes in the duct system causing a whistling noise as well.
How to Repair HVAC System Air Ducts: A Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Locate the Holes
First, locate the holes in your ductwork. One way to do this is to place soapy water around the exterior of your ductwork, and find the areas where bubbles form. Bubbles form around ducts as air tries to escape from the holes.
Step 2: Apply Metallic Tape
Apply metallic tape specifically used in air duct repair, or seal your air ducts with a strong sealant formulated for insulated ducts that is meant to be used as a permanent solution. Avoid using duct tape or regular adhesive tape as these will lose their grip over time.
Step 3: Seal with Mastic
Finally, cover the edges of the tape with mastic to form a tight seal around the tape, and improve the repair. Repairs are meant to be permanent, and duct mastic will help keep the seal of the ductwork airtight, enabling you to use your air duct system properly.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Ductwork?
Air duct replacement costs approximately $5,000 to $10,000 to overhaul the entire ductwork, and install new ducts. Majority of the cost goes to labor, as air duct replacement requires extensive work to complete. You may opt for air duct repair instead, where sections of your home's air ducts are replaced, instead of the entire duct system.
Where to Have Your Ductwork System Replaced
#1 Contractor and Renovation Companies
Your ductwork runs throughout your home, and is a relatively extensive project to do. You will most likely need a reputable contractor to tackle the project, and it may take weeks to months to finish the project depending on your discussion with the renovation company.
Air duct replacement in Singapore requires the work to be done by a licensed renovation contractor, as well as permits and documentation from proper authorities. Contact a contractor to have your HVAC ductwork replaced.
For air duct repair, and HVAC system maintenance, contact us at Luce. Our HVAC technicians can inspect and fix any problems with your HVAC system so you can continue to enjoy the comfort of your furnace or air handler.
Give us a call to know more about our HVAC system services!
