Top HVAC Industry Trends to Watch in 2025
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Ductwork is a critical component of a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It ensures the effective distribution of air, maintaining comfort throughout your living space. Over time, however, ductwork can degrade due to age, wear and tear, or environmental factors. When this happens, replacing it becomes necessary to maintain optimal air quality, system efficiency, and energy savings.
With our extensive experience in air conditioning service, we’re here to explore the costs associated with replacing ductwork in Australia, key signs that it may be time for a replacement, and the benefits of upgrading your system. Whether you are a homeowner or a landlord, understanding when and why to replace ductwork can save you money, improve your indoor air quality, and boost the overall performance of your HVAC system.
Ductwork refers to the system of hollow pipes or channels—commonly made from sheet metal, fibreglass, or flexible plastic—that transport heated or cooled air throughout a home or commercial space. It acts as the “circulatory system” of your HVAC setup. Properly functioning ductwork ensures that air is evenly distributed, improving comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. However, when ductwork is damaged or deteriorating, it can lead to:
Air Leaks: Compromised ducts allow air to escape, reducing energy efficiency and increasing power bills.
Poor Air Quality: Damaged ducts can introduce dust, mould, and allergens into the air.
Reduced System Efficiency: Your HVAC system has to work harder to compensate for air loss, leading to higher running costs.
Knowing when to replace your ductwork is crucial to avoid costly HVAC issues in the future. Here are some of the most common signs that a replacement is needed:’
Ductwork typically lasts between 10 to 25 years, depending on the material, installation quality, and maintenance. After about 15 years, many systems start to show signs of wear, such as sagging, cracks, or disconnected joints. If your system is approaching or surpassing this age range, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Inspect your ductwork regularly for signs of physical damage. Look for cracks, holes, dents, or loose joints. If you notice large sections that are deteriorating, it’s often more cost-effective to replace the entire system than to patch up individual spots.
If you notice excessive dust, allergens, or musty odours in your home, your ducts may be the culprit. Old or damaged ducts can introduce pollutants from crawl spaces, basements, or attics into your living space.
If your energy bills have increased without a corresponding change in your HVAC usage, leaky or inefficient ductwork may be to blame. Energy loss from old ducts forces your system to work harder to maintain your desired indoor temperature.
Do you have rooms that are consistently too hot or too cold, regardless of your thermostat settings? Uneven airflow is a common sign of blockages, leaks, or poor duct design. Replacing or redesigning your ductwork can resolve this issue.
Rodents, insects, or mould growth can damage your duct system. Not only do pests create holes in the ducts, but their waste can also circulate airborne contaminants in your home. If cleaning isn’t enough to solve the problem, a replacement may be necessary.
The cost of replacing ductwork varies depending on several factors, such as the size of your home, the complexity of the layout, and the type of materials used. Below is a breakdown of key cost factors:
In Australia, the cost of ductwork replacement is typically charged per linear metre. For flexible ducting, you can expect to pay between AUD 30 to AUD 60 per metre, while rigid sheet metal ducts may cost upwards of AUD 80 to AUD 150 per metre.
The size of your home affects the length of ductwork required. Larger homes with multi-level layouts may require extensive work to run ducting through ceilings, walls, or crawl spaces, increasing the cost. Complex designs with numerous twists, turns, and multiple zones also increase labour expenses.
Flexible Ducting: Less expensive and easier to install, but more prone to sagging and damage.
Rigid Sheet Metal Ducts: More durable and long-lasting but costlier to install.
Fibreglass Duct Board: Provides insulation, but it can degrade over time and harbour mould.
Professional HVAC technicians in Australia charge labour fees that range from AUD 80 to AUD 120 per hour. The complexity of the job, accessibility, and whether old ductwork needs to be removed all affect the labour cost. Full ductwork replacements may take one to three days to complete.
Removal and Disposal: If the old ducts are damaged or contain asbestos, safe removal and disposal will add to the total cost.
Insulation: Adding or upgrading insulation increases the initial outlay but improves efficiency.
Permits and Inspections: In some Australian states, you may need a permit or inspection for HVAC work.
Estimated Total Cost: For a standard three-bedroom home, the total cost of ductwork replacement can range from AUD 3,000 to AUD 8,000, with larger homes or high-end materials pushing this figure higher.
Removal and Disposal: If the old ducts are damaged or contain asbestos, safe removal and disposal will add to the total cost.
Insulation: Adding or upgrading insulation increases the initial outlay but improves efficiency.
Permits and Inspections: In some Australian states, you may need a permit or inspection for HVAC work.
Estimated Total Cost: For a standard three-bedroom home, the total cost of ductwork replacement can range from AUD 3,000 to AUD 8,000, with larger homes or high-end materials pushing this figure higher.
New ductwork reduces air leaks and improves airflow, allowing your HVAC system to run more efficiently. This results in lower energy bills.
Clean, sealed ducts prevent the circulation of dust, allergens, and pollutants in your home. This is especially important for people with asthma or allergies.
If you’ve been dealing with hot and cold spots in your home, new ductwork can ensure more even temperature distribution.
When your system works efficiently, it reduces the strain on HVAC components like compressors, blowers, and fans. This can increase the lifespan of your entire system.
Old, loose, or improperly installed ducts can create rattling, banging, or whistling sounds. New, tightly sealed ductwork can minimise noise.
Replacing ductwork in your home is a significant investment, but it pays off in energy savings, better air quality, and improved HVAC system performance. While the cost may range from AUD 3,000 to AUD 8,000, the long-term benefits often outweigh the upfront expense. Look for signs of deterioration, uneven airflow, increased energy bills, or poor air quality to determine when it’s time for a replacement. By hiring a qualified professional and choosing high-quality materials, you can ensure your new ductwork lasts for decades. Ultimately, this investment improves your home’s comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
At Pacific Air and Electrical, we offer affordable yet high-quality ductwork. For your HVAC repairs and electrical needs, feel free to contact us.
0410 309 040
support@pacificairandelectrical.com.au
833 The Entrance Rd, Wamberal NSW 2260 Australia