Replace, Repair or Clean: Determining When to Replace Your Air Ducts

Dust can really wreak havoc on a person's allergies and asthma, especially if the air ducts in their home are not functioning fully. Clean and fully functional air ducts are essential for proper removal of dust and other potential allergens. If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma and you've noticed an increased amount of dust in your home, then you may be wondering if your air ducts need some attention. Air ducts that are failing to properly eliminate dust from entering your home through the HVAC system might need to be cleaned, repaired or replaced. However, you might be wondering how to determine when to replace, repair or clean them. Here is a guide:

You should have your air ducts professionally cleaned when:

Your ductwork is relatively new and consists of metal, plastic or similar material. Metal ductwork without an interior lining is quite easy to clean and can fix your problem of excess dust and debris accumulation. There may be other instances when air duct cleaning is the best method for remedying ductwork that is working in a less-than-par manner, and a reputable professional can advise you.

You should have your air ducts professionally repaired when:

Your air ducts have leaks but are in otherwise good condition. There is no need to have them replaced, since plugging up any leaks will likely be considerably less expensive than replacement. Furthermore, only having your ductwork cleaned when leaks are present will not fix the problem. Your professional contractor can provide you with advice regarding other situations when repairing your air ducts might be the most cost-effective choice.

You should have your air ducts replaced when:

Your air ducts are heavily contaminated with dust, mold and other debris, or they're showing signs of severe damage. It can be quite difficult to efficiently clean ductwork that is that heavily soiled, and replacement may be your best option.

Air ducts can last for many years if cared for in the proper manner. However, regular air duct cleaning and repair is necessary in order to prevent a potentially expensive replacement. Determining whether replacement, repair or cleaning is the best option for you doesn't have to be difficult, and with a bit of input from your Dust Doctors, you should be able to quickly make the right decision for keeping your home as allergy-free as possible.