If you need a new HVAC system, you may have been wondering whether you need what about the ductwork?
If your existing ducts are in poor shape, then an installation plan could benefit from including ductwork replacement along with the installation of a new furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump.
However, if the ducts are already working well, you may not necessarily need the replacement.
A professional inspection of ductwork can determine whether an HVAC replacement should include new ductwork.
Before exploring alternatives, let's assess where you might stand with ductwork.
When replacing an HVAC unit, you may be able to reuse existing ducts depending on the condition. Ducts that are 15–20 years old are usually near the end of a lifespan. Even if these are not yet showing signs of damage, you can expect leaks, increased energy costs, poorer performance for heating and cooling, along with mold and water damage.
Sometimes a repair or sealing can extend the life, but extensive damage (including mold or water damage) necessitates replacement to work.
On top of that, old ductwork may not be ideal for a new HVAC system, so a replacement could be great for getting the most out of a new system. If your current ducts are undersized, poorly designed, or located in unconditioned spaces and lose significant energy, the current ducts may not be worth keeping.
A network of ducts distribute conditioned air from a central unit throughout your home. Properly designed and installed ducted systems bring whole-home comfort, strong airflow, and integrate advanced filtration for improved air quality.
For homes with existing ductwork in good condition, a traditional ducted system makes economic sense. Installation costs focus on the equipment itself—furnace, air handler, and condenser—without added expenses of creating a distribution system from scratch.
A ductless mini-split system consists of an outdoor compressor unit connected to indoor air handlers via a small conduit carrying refrigerant lines, power, and drainage.
Indoor units mount on walls or ceilings and condition the space.
Installation is simple, requiring a hole through the exterior wall—no expensive and extensive ductwork, no major construction.
These can also integrate with apps that allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms.
Energy efficiency is another major draw, as these can lead to long-term savings in energy costs.
However, aesthetically minded homeowners may not like having indoor units visible on walls.
Modern duct design by professionals will include proper sizing, sealed connections, and insulation.
Upgrading ductwork along with a new system can greatly improve efficiency and comfort. If you want to get the most out of your new system, then that can justify the investment even when existing ducts are functional.
Louisville's local housing stock influences the ductwork question.
This city has an abundance of homes built before the 1960s, along with plenty of historic properties in neighborhoods like Old Louisville and Crescent Hill.
Also, bungalows with limited attic access make ductless systems a viable option.
Generally, these homes often have radiators, window units, or no central cooling, which makes ductless mini-splits an ideal path to whole-home climate control.
Newer homes with existing ductwork nearing the end of its lifespan should consider upgrading to a high-efficiency ducted system.
For additions, finished attics, or three-season porches you want to use year-round, taking the hybrid route and adding a ductless mini-split system for these zones can offer a perfect solution without disturbing the rest of a home.
