Ductwork Services
Professional duct design, installation, sealing, and replacement to maximize your HVAC system’s performance.
The Importance of Proper Ductwork
Your ductwork is the circulatory system of your home’s HVAC. It carries conditioned air from your heating and cooling equipment to every room and returns spent air back for reconditioning. When your ducts are properly designed, sealed, and insulated, your HVAC system runs at peak efficiency, every room stays comfortable, and your energy bills stay low.
Unfortunately, ductwork is one of the most overlooked components of a home’s HVAC system. Studies by the U.S. Department of Energy show that the average home loses 20-30% of its conditioned air through duct leaks, poor connections, and inadequate insulation. That means up to a third of the energy you pay for is wasted before it ever reaches your living spaces.
Allison Air Comfort Solutions provides comprehensive ductwork services, from new system design and installation to sealing, repair, and complete replacement. Whether you’re building a new home, upgrading your HVAC system, or addressing comfort problems in your existing home, we have the expertise to ensure your ductwork performs at its best.
Our Ductwork Services
Comprehensive duct solutions for new construction, renovations, and existing homes.
Design
Duct System Design
Proper duct design is the foundation of a comfortable, efficient home. We perform Manual D duct calculations to size every trunk line, branch run, and register for optimal airflow. Our designs account for your home’s layout, insulation levels, window placement, and the specific requirements of your HVAC equipment. A well-designed duct system delivers the right amount of air to every room, eliminating hot and cold spots.
Duct Installation
Our technicians install ductwork to the highest industry standards, using quality materials and proven techniques. Every connection is mechanically fastened and sealed with mastic or approved tape. All ducts in unconditioned spaces are properly insulated to prevent energy loss. We install supply and return registers in optimal locations for balanced airflow and maximum comfort.
Duct Sealing
Leaky ducts are one of the biggest sources of energy waste in residential HVAC. We use advanced diagnostic tools including duct blaster testing to identify leaks, then seal them with code-approved mastic sealant and metal-backed tape. Proper duct sealing can improve your system’s efficiency by 20-30% and dramatically improve comfort in problem rooms.
Duct Replacement
Aging, damaged, or poorly installed ductwork may be beyond repair. When ducts are crushed, disconnected, corroded, or contaminated, replacement is the most cost-effective solution. We remove the old ductwork and install a new, properly designed system that restores your HVAC to full performance and efficiency.
Signs of Ductwork Problems
Your ductwork may be costing you comfort and money if you notice any of these warning signs.
Temperature
Uneven Temperatures Between Rooms
If some rooms are significantly warmer or cooler than others, the problem is often in the ductwork. Leaks, disconnections, or undersized ducts can starve certain rooms of conditioned air while overfeeding others. Rooms at the end of long duct runs or on upper floors are most commonly affected.
Bills
Unusually High Energy Bills
If your energy bills have increased without a change in usage, leaky or poorly insulated ducts could be the culprit. When conditioned air escapes into your attic, crawlspace, or walls, your HVAC system has to work harder and run longer to maintain the set temperature, driving up energy costs significantly.
Airflow
Weak or No Airflow from Registers
If certain registers blow weak air or barely any air at all, the branch duct serving that register may be disconnected, crushed, kinked, or blocked. This is especially common with flexible ductwork that has been improperly supported or damaged by attic work.
Dust
Excessive Dust in Your Home
Leaky return ducts can pull dust, insulation fibers, and debris from attics, crawlspaces, and wall cavities into your air stream. If you find yourself dusting frequently or notice dust blowing from your registers, your return ductwork likely needs sealing or replacement.
Noise
Strange Noises from Ducts
Rattling, popping, whistling, or booming sounds from your ductwork indicate problems. Rattling often means loose connections. Popping or booming is caused by thin sheet metal expanding and contracting. Whistling typically indicates air rushing through a gap or restriction. All of these can be resolved with professional duct service.
Odors
Musty or Stale Odors
If you detect musty, moldy, or stale smells when your system runs, moisture may have entered your ductwork, creating conditions for mold or mildew growth. This is a health concern that requires prompt professional attention, as contaminated ducts circulate these pollutants throughout your entire home.
Duct Materials: Making the Right Choice
The material used for your ductwork impacts performance, longevity, air quality, and cost. Here’s what you need to know about each option.
Sheet Metal Ducts
Sheet metal (galvanized steel or aluminum) is the gold standard for residential ductwork. It’s the most durable, longest-lasting option with a smooth interior surface that promotes excellent airflow and resists mold growth. Sheet metal ducts can be custom-fabricated to fit any space and are ideal for exposed installations where appearance matters. They’re more expensive to install but offer the best long-term value.
Flexible Duct (Flex Duct)
Flexible duct is a round, bendable tube made of a wire coil covered in plastic and wrapped in insulation. It’s less expensive and faster to install than sheet metal, making it popular for branch runs in residential systems. However, flex duct must be properly supported and stretched taut to avoid kinks, sags, and excess length that restrict airflow. When installed correctly, flex duct performs well for shorter runs.
Fiberglass Duct Board
Fiberglass duct board is a rigid, pre-insulated panel that is cut and formed into rectangular ducts on-site. It offers good thermal insulation and sound absorption built in. However, the fiberglass interior surface can trap dust and is more difficult to clean than smooth metal. Fiberglass duct board is most commonly used in commercial applications but is occasionally used in residential settings.
Duct Material Comparison
Compare the key characteristics of common residential duct materials.
|
Characteristic
|
Sheet Metal
|
Flexible Duct
|
Fiberglass Board
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Durability
|
Excellent — 30+ years
|
Good — 15-25 years
|
Good — 15-20 years
|
|
Airflow Performance
|
Best (smooth interior)
|
Good (when fully stretched)
|
Good (smooth interior)
|
|
Insulation
|
External insulation required
|
Built-in insulation
|
Built-in insulation
|
|
Sound
|
Can transmit noise
|
Good sound dampening
|
Excellent sound absorption
|
|
Mold Resistance
|
Excellent
|
Good
|
Fair (porous surface)
|
|
Installation Cost
|
Higher
|
Lower
|
Moderate
|
|
Cleanability
|
Easy to clean
|
Difficult to clean
|
Difficult to clean
|
|
Best Use
|
Main trunks, exposed runs
|
Branch runs, tight spaces
|
Commercial, specialty
|
Our Ductwork Process
Whether you need a complete new duct system or targeted repairs, our approach is thorough and professional.
Inspection & Assessment
We begin with a comprehensive inspection of your existing ductwork, checking for leaks, damage, insulation condition, proper sizing, and airflow balance. We use duct blaster testing and visual inspection to identify every issue affecting your system’s performance.
Design & Recommendation
Based on our findings, we provide a detailed report with clear recommendations and pricing. Whether you need targeted sealing, partial repair, or complete replacement, we explain the options and help you choose the most cost-effective solution for your situation.
Professional Execution
Our technicians perform all work to the highest standards, using code-approved materials and industry best practices. Every connection is mechanically fastened and sealed. All ducts in unconditioned spaces are properly insulated. We test airflow at every register before we finish to ensure balanced, comfortable performance.
Verification & Documentation
After completion, we verify system performance with airflow measurements and duct leakage testing. We provide documentation of all work performed, including before-and-after photos and test results, so you have a complete record for your files.
Improve Your Home's Comfort & Efficiency
Contact Allison Air Comfort Solutions for a professional ductwork inspection and consultation.