Ductwork is one of the most overlooked yet incredible acts of engineering that exist in the world today. It goes largely unnoticed, existing usually above our heads, silently responsible for controlling our environment.
What is Ductwork?
Ductwork forms part of a ventilation system that is used to distribute air through heating, venting and air conditioning systems in both residential and commercial properties. It could be either freezing or sweltering outside, but the ductwork running throughout a property connected to an HVAC system will keep the air inside your property feeling fresh and comfortable. If an HVAC system is the heart of climate control then ductwork can be described as the veins.
What Does Ductwork Do?
The process involves air being sucked from the property into the heater or air conditioner, where it is then heated or cooled. After this process is complete, the air is then redistributed back into the property via the ducts.
Both the intake and output of air is vital to maintaining heating and cooling systems and without properly designed and installed ductwork and vents then the air pressure will not be optimal and climate control will suffer.
What Is Ductwork Installation?
Ductwork installation typically includes working on installing the ducts for these heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems but can also include waste extraction systems, vacuum systems and dust & fume extraction systems.
A ductwork installer matches ductwork to HVAC equipment and fine-tunes it for optimal efficiency, comfort, and longevity.
If ductwork is installed properly, it is an efficient means of keeping you comfortable and regulating the temperature in your home. Poor installation will cause problems and the results of this can be anything from air leakage to complete failure of the heating or air conditioning system.
How Often Should Ductwork Be Replaced?
Ductwork can deteriorate over time. Ductwork moves around due to “thermal stress” and vibration. This means that winter heating causes the ductwork to expand and summer cooling causes it to contract. If your ductwork is poorly joined then it can pull itself completely apart.
Ductwork has a lifespan of around 20-25 years. However. If your ductwork is over 15 years old then you probably want to replace it. After 15 years ductwork can significantly deteriorate, affecting your HVAC systems efficiency.
How Long Does Ductwork Installation Take?
Installation of a new HVAC system and ductwork in residential property will usually only take about 1 or 2 days. It may take longer for commercial installation, depending on the amount of work required. If the ductwork is easily accessible, then it will reduce the amount of time taken to install.
How to Choose a Ductwork Installer
Choosing the right ductwork installer is important. A good ductwork installer will help you make the right choices for your property which will bring the best value for money. Below are some tips to help you find the right installer for you.
- Get estimates from different ductwork installers – Ideally, you should take the time to get estimates from at least three different HVAC or ductwork installers. Look for experienced companies, check their insurance coverage and search online to check their customer reviews and testimonials.
- Ask for guarantees on the work – A good company will be willing to visit your property to understand your needs and identify any potential issues. Ask for guarantees on their workmanship, you want to be sure that they are capable of completing the kind of installation job that you require.
- Get the best value for money – A good HVAC/ductwork installation company will be able to offer a number of things in order for you to get the best value for money. These include knowing the price and quality of different systems and calculating annual operating costs for heating and cooling. They should also be able to offer affordable finance and service and maintenance plans.
- Insurance coverage – You should also check that installer has liability insurance for ductwork installation, for peace of mind that they are covered for any accidental damage that they may cause to the property during the course of the job.
When making the decision to install a new HVAC system in your property, it is of vital importance that it is designed by a professional installer or company and that the ductwork is considered early on in the process. Whilst a good ductwork installer may cost a little more, in the long run, you will get more value for your money.