December 22, 2016

You can't have an efficient, high-performing HVAC system without a tight system of ductwork. If ducts are leaking or blocked, your rooms won't get all the conditioned air that you're paying to heat or cool. Yet, ducts are like any other mechanical system; over time, they will age and deteriorate. A homeowner who can detect whether he or she's got old ductwork that's no longer doing its job will be better equipped to address the situation.

The Effects of Bad, Old Ductwork

Ducts that are leaking and sometimes even disconnected can't deliver the full volume of conditioned air to rooms. This is especially the case when leaks occur in areas with unconditioned, often dirty air. This includes a crawl space, wall cavities, the garage and attic. Rooms won't stay comfortable very long, and your heating or cooling equipment will have to work harder to make up for the lost air. This equals energy waste, stress on equipment and loss of comfort.

Impaired ductwork also can lead to poor or even safe indoor air quality. "Backdrafting" can occur with leaky ducts, with dirty air (and potentially hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide) getting sucked into the ducts. This is a result of negative air pressure in unconditioned areas that the ducts run through. That contaminated air then will circulate with household air.

How Can You Detect Old Ductwork?

  • If you know your ductwork came with the original house, you'll know the age of your ducts. Ducts that have been circulating air in your home for 15-20 years or more should be inspected by a trained technician with an eye toward recommending a course of action – maintenance, repair or replacement.
  • Look at accessible duct sections and inspect them for loose connections, hanging ducts, corrosion or rust, or any other evidence of failing ducts.
  • Is the velocity of air coming from ducts different from room to room? This could signal blocked or leaky ducts serving rooms with poor airflow.

To talk to a trained technician about your Hampton Roads home's old ductwork, please contact us at Russell's Heating & Cooling.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ductwork and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 757-750-1831.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “bernard-zajac/Shutterstock”

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What Our Customers Are Saying

  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach

  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA

  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA

  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA

  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA

  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA

  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach

  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach

  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA

  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach

  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA

  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God

  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA

  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA

  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach

  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA

  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA

  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach

  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA