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Your Cincinnati home could use some upgrades and no, we don’t mean barn doors or shiplap,  we are talking about replacing your HVAC unit. When it comes to replacing your HVAC unit, don’t forget about the ductwork and ducting. Keep reading to see the top reasons why you should consider it.

The ductwork is important because it helps deliver the warm or cool air to every room in your home. Replacing them at the same time as your HVAC system can help increase the lifespan of the new system because if the ductwork is old and not well-maintained it can cause your system to struggle. An overworked system works harder and makes the home feel less comfortable.

One sign that you should replace the ductwork is an increase in utility bills and even poor air quality. The ductwork in most homes lasts between 10 and 15 years before problems arise. If your ducts are more than 15 years old, they should be replaced before major issues such as pests, gaps or even collapsed sections of ducts appear. That way, you can prevent drafts or stuffy areas and make sure all parts of your home stay comfortable. You could have the best HVAC unit available but if the ductwork is old with gaps that leaks air it will never be fully optimal and efficient.  

If you notice you are frequently having to dust, it could be a sign of leaky ducts. Leaks allow heated or cooled air to escape out of the ducts and dust and dirt to get in. This can damage your heating and cooling system, make your house difficult to clean, and even impact your family’s respiratory health.

You should also consider replacing your ductwork when replacing the HVAC system because mismatched systems are inefficient. If your HVAC system is 15 to 20 years old, a new system could be between 10 percent and 40 percent more efficient, depending on the specific efficiency rating of the system you purchase. If the air handler and other elements of the HVAC system were specifically created to match the ductwork in your home, it’s impossible for the efficiency not to suffer in a retrofit situation.

On top of it all, if the original ductwork was not installed properly, your HVAC technician will be able to do it correctly on the install of the new system and ducts while taking into consideration the placement. For example, if you currently have ducts running through the attic of your Cincinnati home you should know that many experts say the purchase of a new HVAC system is the perfect occasion to remove those vents from the attic. Studies show that relocating ductwork out of the attic can increase the efficiency of an HVAC system by 25 to 30 percent. Attics can reach 130 degrees or higher in the summer. Imagine the impact on air traveling through vents in that temperature!

Greater Cincinnati area homeowners can depend on Apollo Home Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for expert ductwork attention. We’ve been in the home-comfort business since 1910 and we’re happy to help you optimize your energy efficiency — whether you are replacing your HVAC system or need an expert opinion on the quality of your home’s ductwork. Give us a call at (513) 268-8400!