Your home’s air duct system can look and feel like a maze, making it difficult to navigate as you try to keep your home’s airflow cool and consistent. We want to help you understand your air ducts’ inner workings, diagnose common issues, and know how to maintain your ducts to ensure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is healthy.
GEM offers regular heating and cooling maintenance in the New England area for your HVAC system to make sure your ducts are giving you the airflow you deserve.
New England Ductwork 101
Think of your air ducts like your home’s arteries: as long as they stay clear and healthy, heated and cooled air can effortlessly pass through them to reach their destinations (the rooms in your home).
Once your HVAC system pulls air from the intake vents, your air ducts guide that air back out through your home at the desired temperature. Temperatures will change accordingly depending on the season, and you’ll stay comfortable.
Now that you know what’s going on behind your walls, let’s explore whether or not the type of ductwork in your New England home really matters.
Are Types of Ductwork Important?
While they all serve the same purpose, different types of ductwork may perform better in different homes. There are four main types of ductwork:
- Sheet metal: Rigid, durable ductwork made of galvanized steel or aluminum
- Fiberglass: Sheet metal ducts with an added fiberglass lining that limits heat loss and reduces noise
- Fiberboard: Made of fiberglass strands with foil added to the exterior for insulation and moisture protection
- Flexible ducts: Tube-shaped ducts made of steel spring coil and covered in thick, durable plastic making them easier to fit in tight-knit spaces
So, does the type of ductwork matter? In short, yes –– keeping in mind the unique qualities of your home. The choice ultimately depends on the design of your home, your preferred levels of noise reduction or heat retention, and your budget –– all factors that GEM’s heating and cooling services can help you determine.
While the ductwork you have in your home may be the right type, you’ll still want to prepare for what could potentially go wrong.
How Your Air Ducts Can Cause Trouble
Keep your ducts in a row by knowing what problems can surface and how to spot them.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Several signs may point to issues with your air ducts. Here are issues to watch out for:
- Hot and cold spots: spots around your house may trace back to leaky ducts that are allowing air to escape your ductwork
- Strange odors: bad smells coming from your HVAC system can stem from mold growth, rodents, or other vermin deposits in your ducts
- Poor airflow: leaking or clogged ducts can bear stuffy air, uncomfortable temperatures, or weak airflow from your vents
- Unusual sounds: cracks, leaks, or air pressure changes in your ductwork can cause your HVAC system to make whistling or popping noise
- Clogged filters: ducts collect debris, pollutants, and other contaminants, resulting in strained airflow and increased energy costs
Fortunately, you can save the day by spotting many of these issues before they evolve. Let’s take a look at how you can avoid these problems in the first place.
Preventing Problems With Your AC Ductwork
When it comes to preventing severe issues with your air ducts, proper ductwork maintenance will be your priority.
AC Duct Cleaning in New England*
Protecting your air ducts means keeping them clean. The following circumstances mean it is time for a deep ductwork clean:
- Visible mold growth: mold is often black, making it easy to spot upon inspection, or it gives off a deep, unpleasant odor
- Rodents or insects: these creatures are smelly, loud, and often big enough to spot with a simple inspection
- Clogged air ducts: identifiable by a clogged filter or weak airflow, clogged ducts allow all that dust and debris that should be filtered out to be recirculated back into your home
- Recurring allergy-related illnesses: if you find your family dealing with allergies more often than your neighbors, it could be related to poor air quality from your air ducts
- Recently completed home renovations: to ensure your family isn’t inhaling construction debris, vacuum your air ducts and replace your filter
Can I Clean Air Ducts Myself?
We recommend you hire a professional for thorough inspections and cleanings, but there are a few things you can do to clean your air ducts yourself:
- Change your HVAC system’s filters according to manufacturer recommendations
- Keep your registers and grilles tidy by removing vent covers and cleaning them
- Remove as much dust in your home as possible
- Steer clear of leaving behind any treats for mice
If you don’t address these air duct conditions at the root of their problem, they may keep recurring.
When To Call In GEM’s Heating and Cooling Services
Here at GEM, our heating and cooling specialists can deep clean your mini-split head(s). Additionally, we offer HVAC maintenance and repair, including yearly inspections of your system, proper design and sizing, and leak repairs.
Unsure if your system and ductwork are in shape to give you the airflow you deserve? One of our Remote Assist experts can lend you virtual support. We’ll walk through your system with you and spot any problems right on video call.
*GEM does not clean air ducts.
FAQs About Protecting Your AC Ductwork in New England
What causes ice to form on my AC ductwork or lines?
Ice buildup usually happens when airflow is restricted or refrigerant levels are low. Dirty air filters, blocked vents, or frozen evaporator coils can cause condensation to freeze on your ducts. If you notice ice on your AC lines or ductwork, turn off the system and call GEM Plumbing & Heating for a professional inspection before any damage occurs.
Why is my AC ductwork sweating?
Condensation—or “sweating”—happens when warm, humid air meets cool metal ducts. This is especially common in basements or uninsulated areas. Insulating ducts properly, sealing air leaks, and maintaining balanced humidity levels can prevent moisture buildup. Otherwise, it could lead to rust, mold, and water damage.
How often should I have my AC ductwork inspected or cleaned?
In New England, it’s best to inspect your ductwork every two to three years. You should also clean it every five to seven years, though the exact timeframe depends on how often you use your system and the quality of your indoor air. Dust, debris, and pollen can build up faster in older homes or on properties located near construction zones.
What’s the difference between AC ductwork repair and replacement?
Repairing AC ductwork involves fixing leaks, resealing joints, or adding insulation to restore its overall efficiency. On the other hand, replacing AC ductwork is necessary when your ducts are damaged, corroded, or undersized for your HVAC system. GEM’s technicians can assess your ducts and recommend the most cost-effective solution for you.
How much does it cost to replace AC ductwork in Massachusetts or Rhode Island?
The average cost to replace residential AC ductwork is between $3,000 and $8,000. The exact price will depend on the size of your home, your house’s overall accessibility, and the type of material at play. For instance, projects that require custom metal ductwork or full system upgrades may cost more. The good news is that we provide upfront estimates and financing options to make sure we stay within your budget.
What materials are best for AC ductwork in New England homes?
Most modern systems use galvanized steel, aluminum, or flexible fiberglass ducts. Metal ducts are durable and easy to clean, while insulated flexible ducts are more ideal for tight spaces. At GEM, you can count on us to help you choose materials that balance efficiency, noise control, and longevity for your home.
Can exposed ductwork be a problem?
Exposed ductwork isn’t necessarily bad. In fact, it’s common in basements and garages as well as modern industrial-style homes. However, uninsulated exposed ducts can lose energy and cause condensation. Adding insulation or protective coatings keeps your system efficient and prevents moisture issues.
How can I prevent leaks and damage in my home’s ductwork?
Schedule regular maintenance, replace air filters monthly, and seal small gaps with approved duct mastic or aluminum foil tape. Just don’t use standard duct tape. If you’re concerned about your home’s ductwork, GEM’s HVAC experts can perform professional duct sealing to eliminate leaks that waste energy and strain your system.
Can I run an AC unit without ductwork?
Yes! Homes without ductwork can use ductless mini-split systems, which provide efficient cooling and heating without traditional ducts. They’re ideal for older New England homes or additions where installing ductwork isn’t practical.
What should I do if there’s water in my AC ductwork?
If there’s water in your ducts, this often means there’s either poor drainage, condensation, or a clogged AC drain line. Ignoring this situation can result in the formation of mold or structural damage. To prevent this, start by turning off your system. From there, contact GEM Plumbing & Heating for a full moisture inspection and remediation plan.
