How Long Does Flexible Ductwork Last?

Flexible ductwork works best when it comes to fitting in tight, awkward spaces. They are the lungs of your home, and it is important to know how long they will be able to support your home's airflow. We have researched this topic and here is what we found out:

Flexible ductworks last for 10 to 25 years. Its longevity depends on many factors such as the quality of the product and the temperature where it is situated.

Want to know how to make your flexible ductwork last longer? We will talk about that in a while as well as when to know if you should still repair or replace it already. If you want to learn about these and more, stay with us because we are about to start!

A man installing flexible ductwork, How Long Does Flexible Ductwork Last?

Flexible Ductwork's Lifespan

Some aluminium air tubes on white

Although flexible ductworks can last from 10 to 25 years, this can vary depending on different factors. These will affect how long your duct system will carry on performing for your home. Let us start with the first one. 

Quality Of The Product

If you have a good quality product you might probably extend your flexible ductwork's life to its maximum life length. It has to be durable, and leak and damage resistant since it has to endure the hot or cold air it circulates. Here are some of the best brands that you can find in the market according to findthisbest.com.

AC Infinity

Check out AC Infinity's flexible ducting on  Amazon.

Its four-layer protection design makes it more durable and leak-resistant. Aside from that, it is made of heavy-duty aluminum foil so it can withhold heat and is fire-resistant. 

Mophorn

Take a look at this flexible duct hose by Morphon on Amazon. 

This flex duct, its unique feature is that you can adjust the ropes on its duct hose. That way, it can fit your duct mouth perfectly for better sealing.

Dundas Jafine

Check out this flexible insulated duct on Amazon.

The special thing about Dundas jafine ductwork is the glass fiber insulation blanket. That helps in reducing heat and cool loss for your duct system, good for general ventilation.

Temperature Of The Area

In addition to making sure you are using the best products, one of the factors that you may look into is the temperature where the duct is installed. 

Flex ducts prefer colder places. That is why if you are living in a hot region and had it installed in areas such as the attic, your system will most likely deteriorate faster.

In this case, if you checked the two factors, you will most likely enjoy the benefits that it provides for a long time. 

Benefits Of Duct System

Having properly installed ductwork in your home lets you have a comfortable, even temperature throughout the season. Not only that, but it also comes with so many benefits. Starting with decreasing the harmful substances in your house. 

The ductwork helps distribute the air from your HVAC equipment. This includes transporting the conditioned air back in and blowing any excess amount outside.

This helps reduce harmful byproducts of heating and cooling systems such as carbon monoxide. The ductwork guides the harmful gas out of your home so it doesn't build up to dangerous levels.

Carbon monoxide replaces the oxygen in your body when inhaled. Of course, oxygen is important to keep us functioning and alive, so we want to minimize the level of carbon monoxide in our homes as much as possible. 

Another advantage is that insulated ductwork saves you money. How? Since it helps circulate and disseminate the treated air, your HVAC equipment does not need to work as hard to maintain the temperature throughout the areas of your home. This means it uses less energy which will reflect in your electric bill. 

Sounds like your flexible ductwork is working hard, right? This is why one way or another, you must look after the signs that may be indicating whether you need to replace it already or not. 

Want to know if you should insulate your ducts? Learn here: Should Ductwork Be Insulated?

Signs You Should Replace Or Repair Your Flexible Ductwork

Flexible Duct Silver

You need to be cautious of these symptoms. You must be needing an immediate repair or replacement if you have the following:

  • Making unusual, loud noises. The fiberglass or plastic joints are probably damaged, resulting in rattling or hissing sounds. 
  • Increase in the electric bill. As we have mentioned before, an insulated air duct helps in reducing your monthly bill. This is why a leak or hole in one of its parts may reflect in your energy consumption since your system needs to work harder for the air that escapes. 
  • Some parts of your home are not heated or cooled. Another implication is that your system's got a leak in it since the air might have been seeping out of the hose before it could even reach that area in your home. 
  • There is more dust than usual. If you have holes in any spot of your duct, the dust particles will most likely enter through it and will be flown towards the vents. 

To know which solution applies to you, consult a professional and have your duct system checked.

Can You Install A Flexible Ductwork Yourself?

Man setting up ventilation system indoors

Installing a flex duct can be a DIY project. However, you need to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge to do so since this will be installed throughout your home. It is highly recommended to seek a professional installer to ensure the best outcome. 

Also, if an air duct is not installed properly, you may face problems like leaking which will cost you more later on.

Want to learn how to install a return air duct? Know how to do it here: How To Install a Return Air Duct In Your Ceiling

How Much To Install And Replace A Flexible Ductwork?

Worker Wrapping an HVAC Air Duct with Foil Tape

Installing or replacing new flexible ductwork ranges from $1,900 to $6,000. To give you a more detailed breakdown of this price, take a look at the list below.

Materials

  • Flexible Non-metallic - $6.50 to $10 per linear foot
  • Flexible Aluminum - $6.50 to $11.50 per linear foot
  • Fiberglass Duct Board - $6.50 to $13.50 per linear foot
  • Sheet metal - $11.50 to $19.50 per linear foot

Size Of The Home

For installing new ductwork:

  • 1,000 square feet - $800 - $1, 560
  • 2,000 square feet - $1,900 to $4,000
  • 3,000 square feet - $2,800 to $6,500
  • 4,000 square feet - $3,500 to $6,500

For replacing existing ductwork:

  • 1,000 square feet - $1, 333 - $2,400
  • 2,000 square feet - $3,000 to $6,000
  • 3,000 square feet - $4,665 to $7,500
  • 4,000 square feet - $5,831 to $10,000

By The Type Of Duct

  • Hidden - $6.50 to $17.50 per square foot
  • Exposed - $6.50 to $19.50 per square foot

Location

  • Attic - $500 to $900
  • Basement - $500 to $900
  • Crawl space - $600 to $1,000
  • Mobile home - $1,200 to $2,400
  • House - $1,900 to $6,000
  • Old house - $4,000 to $7,000

How To Clean Flexible Ductwork

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you should consider cleaning your air ducts if they are showing any of the conditions below:

  • There are molds present in any part of the duct and the system. 
  • If there is a pest infestation 
  • Clogged ducts due to dust particles

Before cleaning, you should address the cause of the problem to prevent it from reoccurring. You can have it professionally done by paying $450 to $1,000. Depending on the amount and scope of the area they will clean. 

However, if you decided to do the cleaning yourself, here is a simple step in doing so:

  • Step 1: Using a screwdriver, remove the grille. Make sure to cover the opening with a towel after.
  • Step 2: Fill the sink with hot water and mix a cleaning solution to make it soapy. Soak the vent cover on it before scrubbing with a clean cloth. Rinse with cool water. 
  • Step 3: With the handle of your brush, tap around the inside of the ductwork to loosen the dust that is present. 
  • Step 4: Suck the particles using a vacuum with an attached nozzle. For the remaining dust, wipe them off with a paper towel.
  • Step 5: Replace your air filters and vent covers.

Preventing Duct Contamination

To maximize your flexible ductwork lifespan, you must know how to maintain them. Below are some tips from the EPA on how you can do this:

  • Use a filter that is high efficiency.
  • Change the air filter regularly.
  • Have your cooling coils and drain pan cleaned by professionals.
  • Always seal the supply and return registers when conducting activities that produce dust. 
  • Vacuum your home's dust regularly.
  • Insulate the ducts properly.
  • Repair a problem as soon as possible once noticed. 
  • Maintain the humidifier in your heating system.

Conclusion

Air duct installation

Flexible ductwork lasts for 10 to 25 years. This time range depends on the product quality and temperature of the system's area.

Improper installation and low maintenance can shorten this period. So, make sure to hire a professional for any cleaning, replacement, or installation.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out these great posts:

How Long Does It Take To Clean Air Ducts?

What Size Flex Duct For Mobile Home?

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