What To Know About Your Home's Ducts

When it comes to your home's heating and air conditioning system, there are a lot of things to consider. These systems run throughout much of the year and can get a lot of use. Because of this, maintenance is key. It's also important to fix any issues as soon as they pop up and to prepare for replacement after a decade or two. However, there is more to heating and air conditioning than the air conditioner and heater. Your home's ductwork is very important for keeping temperatures comfortable. Here's what you need to know about your home's air ducts. 

They Require Maintenance

Over time, dust and other debris will start to accumulate in your heating and cooling ducts as well as in your dryer and exhaust ducts. Having your ductwork maintained and cleaned is a must. Duct cleaning will get rid of this debris and ensure that your heating and air conditioning systems are working at their peak capacity. Dirty ducts can lead to a loss of efficiency as well as higher energy bills. Duct cleaning costs on average between $90 and $250 and is recommended every three to five years.

Their Lifespan

Another thing that you may not know about your home's ducts is that they will eventually need replacement. The average lifespan for your home's air ducts is around 15 years, and the maximum lifespan is between 20 and 25 years. If your ducts are within this age range, you will likely want to consider replacement sooner than later. With most ductwork, after 15 years it starts to deteriorate quickly and can have an impact on your heating and cooling. Regular duct cleaning and maintenance can help, but replacement will eventually be needed.

The Cost of Replacement

If your ducts are near the end of their typical lifespan or if you are getting a new heating and air conditioning system and also want to replace your ductwork, knowing the cost of replacement can be helpful. How much it will cost will depend on the size of your home and the difficulty of installation. Replacing ducts typically costs between $35 and $55 per linear foot. For the average home, this works out to $1,000 to $5,000. New ducts for larger homes or homes where installation is difficult can range in price between $5,000 and $15,000.

Chances are that you don't think about your home's ductwork often. However, there are a few things that you should know. Maintenance is a must, and duct cleaning should be done every few years. After 15 years, you will want to start considering replacement since ductwork will start to deteriorate after this point. The cost of replacement can vary, but typically you will pay a few thousand for new ducts in your home.