Air duct cover wall install#

I’m not going to lie to you, one duct problem leads to many. Unsupported flex duct runs are more likely to sag, and condensation will gather in the dip. You’ll see the same corrosion if your basement or crawl space is overly humid, or if water is leaking from your roof, plumbing, or humidifier. If moisture gets into the air duct, it will corrode over time. Old seals will erode with enough wear and tear, letting air slip out (or in). ( Air Duct Lifespan)Īs your air ducts age, problems begin arising: Leaky, Corroded Ducts That said, the average air duct lifespan varies from 15 to 25 years. Expiration dates vary – metal ducts generally last longer than flex ducts because metal is more rigid and its surface allows air to glide, unlike the coil around flex ductwork. Your airducts experience wear and tear over time when air is ricocheting off the walls, so unfortunately, they don’t last forever. Keep reading to find out how time deteriorates your HVAC ducts, leading to all sorts of unique problems. Unfortunately, this is rarely done.Īir duct design and installation errors can wreak havoc on your home comfort. If it’s not, dampers can be installed on the duct trunk to adjust air flow. HVAC best practice calls for an air balance after installation to determine whether the air is flowing where it’s designed to. Poorly installed ductwork leads to imbalanced air, which leads to hot and cold spots, which leads to higher bills – and well, you get it. A good HVAC specialist will avoid unnecessary bends when installing the HVAC duct system and opt for smaller tree branch type ducts where possible. Just like the airplane that vibrates within air pockets, air colliding with the duct becomes turbulent and moves slower.

Air duct cover wall install#

While this may pass an inspection, neglecting to install a metal butt joint connector creates a weak connection and leads to sagging ducts and escaping air. The same thing will happen when contractors take two flex duct runs, fit them together with tape, and wrap insulation to hold them together. This is the deal – flex ductwork cannot be unsupported for more than 4 feet or it will start to sag.