2 Signs Your Home's Air Ducts Need To Be Replaced

The air ducts in your house are an important part of the HVAC system. When they are in optimal condition, they carry the air from the furnace and central air conditioner while containing it so that the heated and cooled air is not wasted.

However, when the ducts get worn with age, they will not work as efficiently, which can cause a lot of wasted air that translates into higher energy bills. Below are a couple of signs that you should watch out for when trying to determine whether the air ducts in your home need to be replaced by a professional.

1. You Hear a Rattling Noise or Feel Vibrations in the Walls Throughout Your Home While the Furnace or Air Conditioner Is Running

One sign that you should be on the lookout for when trying to determine whether your home's air ducts need to be replaced is the presence of a rattling noise that you hear throughout the house whenever the furnace or air conditioner is running. Along with this sound, you may also be able to feel vibrations when you place the palm of your hand on the surfaces of the walls.

As ducts age, they start to come apart at the seams, which causes them to shift and vibrate whenever air is flowing through them. If you hear this noise or feel the vibrations, there are most likely gaps in the ducts that are causing a significant amount of lost air. 

2. You Feel Hot or Cold Spots on the Surfaces of and in the Spaces near the Walls Where the Ducts Are Located

Another sign that it is time to replace your home's ductwork is when you notice the presence of hot or cold spots. These spots can be felt on the surfaces of the walls as well as the spaces near them.

As air leaks out of the ducts, it will be concentrated in the structures nearest it. This concentration of hot or cold air will cause a significant increase or decrease in temperature. Since this escaping air is costing you money, you need to have a professional replace the air ducts soon.

When your home's ducts are no longer working correctly, you will start to see a rise in your energy bills as hot and cool air is lost. When they are in poor condition, you may hear a rattling noise or feel vibrations throughout your house. You may also feel hot or cold spots on and near the walls where the ductwork runs through them. If you have noticed one or both of these signs, contact an HVAC contractor who offers air duct replacement services in your area to schedule an inspection to see if you need new ductwork installed. 

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