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I'm being told by an installer that gave me a quote that I need new ductwork. He didn't explicitly say the ductwork is bad or in a state of disrepair. It seemed to have more to do with the type of system he'd be installing needs different ductwork (larger or smaller size? I don't know?). He kind of looked at me funny when I said "How about we get a system that works with what I got?"
I guess this is where I'm confused. Is it that new HVAC systems (he'd be replacing a unit from the 90s) simply can't use "old ductwork" for whatever reason? He did point out that the way things are right now, the volume of air being moved into one room (a bathroom) is equal to the volume of air being pushed into the smallest bedroom.
So sure, there's likely some inefficiencies with old ductwork, but to replace what is currently there that seems to do the job for about $5000 seems unnecessary.
But maybe I'm missing something here. What are valid reasons that I'd need to replace my ductwork? If it matters, we are talking about a split system (condenser outside, air handler in the attic, ducts in attic).
I hate these sorts of absolute questions.
CAN IT be appropriate to (whatever)... ? Yes it can.
Quote:
It seemed to have more to do with the type of system he'd be installing needs different ductwork
He kind of looked at me funny when I said "How about we get a system that works with what I got?"
He didn't explicitly say the ductwork is bad or in a state of disrepair.
Whether YOU might need ductwork changes or not (most will)...
and whether the totality of changes might warrant just starting over or not (as it will sometimes come to)
you ABSOLUTELY need a contractor who you have an objective reason to trust and above all other considerations.
I went through this a couple years back. The short of it is that the system design has changed (probably with the help of whatever HVAC group that ensures more work/money for installers ~ planned obsolescence). It was that the blowers pushed higher velocity through smaller ducts and systems now push lower velocity (but more volume) through Bigger ducts. Use a modern fan with the older ducts and you put additional stress/strain on the fan which will lead to a shorter life and, I think, lower efficiency.
My installer said it was more important for the Return duct to be the right size than the feed, so that was the only one he replaced.
I went through this a couple years back. The short of it is that the system design has changed (probably with the help of whatever HVAC group that ensures more work/money for installers ~ planned obsolescence). It was that the blowers pushed higher velocity through smaller ducts and systems now push lower velocity (but more volume) through Bigger ducts. Use a modern fan with the older ducts and you put additional stress/strain on the fan which will lead to a shorter life and, I think, lower efficiency.
My installer said it was more important for the Return duct to be the right size than the feed, so that was the only one he replaced.
Thanks for the succinct explanation. I have someone coming to do a 2nd quote for me today. It isn't so much that I disagree with the ductwork assessment by the 1st guy, it is that he didn't give me the quotes I was looking for.
HVAC quotes are all over the map, at least mine were. I must have gotten 8~9 of them and the ranged from $4k~$12k. In all of my research the ONE thing that stood out as the most important was having a competent and capable installer. What brand equipment isn't #1, I don't even think is was #2 (though if not, I can't remember what was)... don't fret about the brand of equipment. Looked like most of the techs who self-installed used the brands that carry the "don't ever buy this brand!" label when you search online.
I ended up going with a company that offered certified (NATE?) techs, and they were one of only 3 who bothered to show up and Look at my house/system. No one even offered to run load calculations, though I was also shopping for a rental house I was getting ready to sell and not my main residence where I'd spend a little more to get a little more. Lucky for me they sold a name brand (I was selling, that stuff matters to some people) and at one of the cheapest quotes.
Good luck, I hated that process and I'm not looking forward to doing it again.
I'm being told by an installer that gave me a quote that I need new ductwork..... we are talking about a split system (condenser outside, air handler in the attic, ducts in attic).
Is old ductwork flex-duct or galvanized? Old flex-duct tends to tear/crumble after 20-30 years....
Is old ductwork flex-duct or galvanized? Old flex-duct tends to tear/crumble after 20-30 years....
Flex. The house is 40 years old, but I can't say the ductwork is the same age. I think it was redone at some point in the last 20.
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