Does your Savannah, Georgia, home need new ducts? If you’re worried that a new duct installation — whether it’s a retrofit to free you from window AC units and space heaters or a replacement for your existing duct system — will disrupt your entire life, we have the information you need. A new duct installation will help fix IAQ problems, temperature issues, and your overall indoor comfort. It’s not as intense as, say, a kitchen remodel either.
New Ducts Are for When Patches and Repairs Aren’t Enough
When we work on ducts, we often repair or replace sections that have become damaged for various reasons. But if your home is old or your duct system hasn’t been maintained, sometimes your entire network of ducts is full of issues. In this case, the best thing to do is to replace all your ducts instead of trying to repair them.
It Might Be Time to Add New Vents
Many old homes had ducts retrofitted when central air became a standard way to heat and cool homes. At the time, contractors used different techniques when deciding how many vents a home needed. Some of your rooms might be missing vents, which affects how well they stay within your preferred temperature parameters.
Similarly, if your home has an addition that isn’t connected to the duct work, adding a vent or two and connecting the ducts to that part of the house is a good idea when you’re replacing your ducts.
Ask About R-Value
The R-value of your duct insulation determines how resistant it is to temperature changes (i.e., how much heat or cold it will let escape as the air travels through the system). A higher R-value means a better insulated system. Most climates, including Georgia, need R-4 to R-8, though if you’re very concerned about it, we can discuss ductwork with a higher R-value.
We can add R-value to your ducts one of two ways: either by wrapping them with insulation or by constructing them out of duct board, which is already insulated. Your home’s idiosyncrasies will help us figure out how to best insulate your ducts.
The Mess Is Minimal
Unless your home has a flat roof (which means the ducts are very difficult to access), we can usually install new ducts without ripping out walls or ceilings. When you have ducts in place, we’ll run your new ones where the old ones were, using the existing infrastructure.
If you don’t have ducts, the spots that will see the most change are the closets and the attic, where we’ll be running the ductwork. We’ll have to cut a few holes in your ceiling to install vents and returns, but that’s a very minor thing to do to drywall.
It’s a Good Time to Upgrade Your Whole System
When upgrading to central air, you’ve already decided to buy an air handler and an outdoor condenser. But what about if you’re replacing old ductwork and already have an air handler and condenser? Well, if those units are old, it’s a good time to get everything done at once. Replacing your ducts alone will improve your heating, cooling, and energy efficiency, but those improvements will be small if your other HVAC components are old and worn out.
Chat with us about your energy goals and your indoor air quality. We’ve got many types of products we can install along with the new ducts. UV lights, for example, are a great way to neutralize tiny particulates that can cause allergies and asthma issues. Plus, products with variable speed motors give you energy-saving options.
Your first step is to give us a call at 877-692-9402 so we can come examine your current situation, regardless of whether you currently have ducts. Then we’ll develop an approach and help you pick out the HVAC system of your dreams that fits within your budget. Don’t forget to let us know about any air quality concerns you may have; our pros at McDevitt Air can recommend specific products to address those concerns. Contact us today so we can get this project started.
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