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Air ducts last between 15 and 25 years, depending on material, maintenance, environment, and other factors. Sheet metal ductwork can last 30 to 50 years. Once your air ducts approach the end of their projected lifespan, they may show signs of deterioration and reduced performance.

Ductwork isn’t mandatory for installing HVAC systems. Ductless mini-split systems are increasingly popular options for homes because no ductwork equates to minimal installation requirements. With multiple indoor air handlers and at least one outdoor compressor unit, these systems use heat pump technology to transfer heat in or out of your home using refrigerant lines and deliver either heating or cooling as needed. Mini-splits cost more than other system types, but they often have superior efficiency ratings, zoning flexibility, and other advantages.

Undersized ductwork restricts airflow, leading to uneven temperature distribution, strain on HVAC equipment, and other problems. Oversized ductwork similarly hurts HVAC efficiency and causes poor temperature distribution or consistency. In either case, improper ductwork sizing results in increased maintenance needs, more frequent repairs, higher operating costs, and a reduced lifespan for HVAC equipment.