Can I Use My Current Air Ducts In A New Install?

 

It's inevitable, at some point, you will need to replace your heating and air conditioning system. Contemplating this impending task raises a question: Do you also need to replace the ductwork at the same time? This podcast episode brings Brandon Day from Day Cool Heating and Air onboard to answer this question.

According to Brandon, whether you need to replace the duct work while updating your air conditioning system is a gray area. It largely depends on various factors, including duct size, equipment size, airflow, and static pressure. Essentially, your ductwork needs to sustain the increased airflow from the new system. Therefore, assessing its condition critically is crucial.

There are alternatives if the ductwork is sound but has leaky seams. Products like AeroSeal and Mastic can help seal the gaps, improving the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Even if the ducts are made of metal — arguably the best material for this infrastructure — these products can help properly seal it.

While replacing the ductwork during AC replacements is ideal because it eliminates accumulated dust, every situation is unique. Sometimes, the existing ductwork cannot handle the demands of the new equipment, making replacement necessary. It's akin to trying to pull a 40-foot boat with a compact vehicle — not always the best solution.

Frequently, homeowners opt for complete replacement without hesitation, seeking the assurance of having a completely new system. This strategy could be ideal unless the existing ductwork is superior or accessing it for replacement proves too difficult. Being aware that structural changes, such as sheetrock repairs, might be part of the process, is essential.

In the end, decisions depend on various factors, including your budget, the state of your existing system, and your unique requirements. Expert opinions from professionals like Brandon Day can help guide you to make the best decision for your home.

For more information about Daycool Heating & Air in Mobile, AL -  log on to www.daycoolair.com or check them out at www.checkapro.com.

 

Visit Us At -  www.daycoolair.com

 

Episode Transcript

(00:02):
There will come a time that you need to replace your heating and air conditioning system.
And we have duct work in our home. The question is, is do we have to replace
the duct work at the same time we get a new heating and air conditioning system?
So I brought Brandon Day in from Day Cool Heating and Air to answer that question.
Hey, Brandon, how are you?

(00:23):
Pretty good. How about you? you I am living the dream so I
get a new air conditioning system all updated
I love it do I have to replace the duct work that's kind
of a gray area because there's there's a lot of variables that come into play
uh duct size equipment size is the same airflow you that's one of the steps

(00:48):
we take is probably different than some some of the competitors as we measure
that duct system them to the, the, the size,
you know, a tube can only carry so much air.
And if you're amping up how much air is pumping through there,
you can, you know, your static pressure is such a big deal.
And we, we measure that the static pressure on the system is the,

(01:08):
it's like blood, blood pressure in a, in a, uh, human.
When we do maintenance, as we check that to see what's going on and how everything,
so it kind of, we cut the head off of a snake before it's an issue. But.
We offer a product called Aero Seal. So if the duct works super leaky,
the duct is sound, but the seams and stuff can be sealed with Aero Seal or Mastic.

(01:32):
There's times that that's a solution.
Metal duct work is my favorite. I hate putting it in, but it's the best duct.
And we can seal metal duct with Aero Seal so well.
If the insulation is good, you know, that just might be an option for that customer.
Obviously, we would love to go back with a new duct every time,

(01:55):
but because then you're eliminating dust, all the stuff. We don't have to do a duct clean and seal.
You just have to look at it. Everyone's different. But yeah,
a lot of times you can't just, the equipment requires more than what the thing will tote.
It's like trying to pull a 40-foot boat with a Tacoma. Sometimes that's not

(02:16):
going to be the best solution.
There's a lot of variables. We always do like the upgrade grills and such, you know, registers.
But, yeah, that's a gray area question.
Yeah. Brandon, I'm sure you have some customers who are like,
you know what? I don't care.
Pull everything out. Pretend it's new, like the whole building's new, and let's start over.

(02:42):
Um, cause if money's no object, that might be the best way to go.
Unless for some reason the duct work is extremely superior or it's very difficult
to work in the space to remove it and add new stuff.
But, um, I remember when I had my, uh, 18 year old air conditioning,
uh, units replaced, um, I had everything taken out. I didn't even ask the question.

(03:08):
They said, yes, it's, it's best to do it. And I thought it made sense as well.
And I felt pretty good about it because it was like new construction at that
point. I'm like, okay, everything's new.
I don't have to worry about old dirty ducts. And they're going to obviously
have their hands and eyes on it as they're building it, right?
So it's going to probably be the best it can be.
Yep. And, you know, in an existing home, the only thing you really worry about

(03:28):
then is sheetrock issues when you're trying to remove or we just make it known
up front that that might have to need some sheetrock repairs.
But that's the worst part of it unless it's a tight attic or something we have
a lot of attic systems here yeah no absolutely I understand mine's in the attic too and.

(03:52):
It's tough to work in the summertime that's a whole nother question how does
your team manage in the summertime in the hot attics all right thank you so
much Brandon as always I appreciate your expertise here on the Check A Pro Radio
Show hey thanks for having me.