Professional Ductwork Repair Services in Ann Arbor & Washtenaw County
Your home's ductwork is the circulatory system of your HVAC, delivering heated and cooled air throughout every room. When ducts develop leaks, damage, or poor connections, you lose comfort, waste energy, and pay higher utility bills. Ann Arbor HVAC Pros connects you with licensed ductwork specialists who diagnose and repair duct problems throughout Washtenaw County.
Our network of trusted ductwork contractors provides comprehensive duct services, including leak detection and sealing, duct repair and replacement, airflow balancing, insulation upgrades, and complete ductwork system design for additions and renovations.
💨 Leaky Ducts Waste Money
According to the EPA, the average home loses 20-30% of air moving through duct systems due to leaks, holes, and poor connections. That's like leaving windows open year-round. Professional duct sealing can reduce energy bills by 15-20% while dramatically improving comfort.
Signs Your Ductwork Needs Repair
Watch for these indicators that your ducts may have problems:
- High Energy Bills: Heating and cooling costs higher than neighbors with similar homes
- Uneven Temperatures: Some rooms always too hot or cold despite thermostat adjustments
- Dusty Home: Excessive dust accumulation despite regular cleaning
- Musty Odors: Persistent smell from vents may indicate mold in ducts
- Noisy Ducts: Rattling, popping, or whistling sounds when HVAC runs
- Poor Airflow: Weak air coming from some or all vents
- Visible Damage: Disconnected, crushed, or damaged ducts in basement or attic
- HVAC Runs Constantly: System struggles to reach temperature due to air loss
- Humidity Problems: Excessive humidity or overly dry air
- Increased Allergies: Worsening indoor air quality due to duct contamination
What Does Ductwork Repair Include?
Professional ductwork repair addresses multiple issues to restore proper function:
- Duct Inspection: Visual and diagnostic inspection to locate leaks, damage, and deficiencies
- Leak Detection: Using specialized equipment to identify air leaks throughout the system
- Duct Sealing: Sealing leaks with mastic sealant or Aeroseal technology (not duct tape!)
- Connection Repair: Securing loose or disconnected duct joints
- Damaged Section Replacement: Replacing crushed, deteriorated, or damaged duct segments
- Insulation Repair: Re-wrapping or replacing damaged duct insulation
- Register Adjustment: Repairing or replacing damaged supply and return vents
- Airflow Balancing: Adjusting dampers and registers for even distribution
- Ductwork Cleaning: Removing accumulated dust, debris, and contaminants
- System Testing: Verifying improved performance after repairs
Common Ductwork Problems in Ann Arbor Homes
Michigan homes commonly experience these duct issues:
- Disconnected Ducts: Ducts separate from joints, dumping conditioned air into attics or crawlspaces
- Poorly Sealed Joints: Original installation used duct tape (which fails over time) instead of proper mastic
- Crushed Ducts: Flexible ducts in attics or crawlspaces compressed by insulation or storage
- Inadequate Insulation: Ducts running through unconditioned spaces lose significant heat/cooling
- Improper Sizing: Undersized or oversized ducts create airflow and efficiency problems
- Rodent Damage: Mice and squirrels damage ducts, insulation, and vapor barriers
- Age Deterioration: Older metal ducts develop rust holes; flexible ducts become brittle
- Poor Design: Too many bends, long runs, or restrictive turns reduce efficiency
Average Ductwork Repair Costs in Ann Arbor
Ductwork repair costs depend on the extent of damage, accessibility, and type of repairs needed. Here's typical Ann Arbor pricing:
Ductwork Repair Pricing
- Duct Inspection: $200 - $400 (comprehensive inspection with report)
- Basic Duct Sealing: $500 - $1,500 (sealing accessible leaks with mastic)
- Aeroseal Duct Sealing: $1,200 - $2,500 (whole-system sealing from inside)
- Minor Duct Repair: $300 - $800 (reattaching disconnected sections, sealing small areas)
- Section Replacement: $400 - $1,000 (replacing damaged duct segments, 10-20 feet)
- Return Duct Repair: $500 - $1,500 (larger ducts, more complex work)
- Duct Insulation: $2 - $6 per linear foot (wrapping exposed ducts)
- Register Replacement: $50 - $150 per register (supply or return)
- Complete Ductwork Replacement: $3,000 - $8,000 (entire home, varies by size)
- Duct Cleaning: $400 - $1,000 (professional cleaning of entire system)
Note: Accessibility affects pricing. Ducts in finished ceilings or walls cost more to repair than easily accessible basement or attic ducts.
Duct Sealing Methods
Contractors use different methods depending on your duct system:
- Mastic Sealant: Professional-grade sealant applied by hand to accessible leaks. Durable, long-lasting, and code-approved. Best for: Visible, accessible duct connections and leaks.
- Aeroseal Technology: Pressurized sealant particles blown through ducts seal leaks from inside. Reaches inaccessible areas. Best for: Whole-system sealing when ducts are hidden or difficult to access.
- Metal Foil Tape: UL-rated foil tape (not fabric duct tape) for minor sealing. Best for: Small repairs and temporary fixes.
- Duct Board Replacement: Replacing severely damaged sections entirely. Best for: Deteriorated ducts beyond repair.
Benefits of Professional Ductwork Repair
Properly repaired ductwork provides multiple advantages:
- Lower Energy Bills: Reduce heating and cooling costs by 15-30%
- Improved Comfort: Even temperatures throughout your home
- Better Air Quality: Less dust, fewer allergens, cleaner indoor air
- Reduced HVAC Wear: System doesn't work as hard, extending equipment life
- Quieter Operation: Properly sealed ducts reduce noise
- Humidity Control: Better moisture management prevents mold and dry air issues
- Environmental Impact: Reduced energy consumption lowers carbon footprint
When to Replace vs Repair Ductwork
Sometimes replacement makes more sense than repair:
- Consider Repair If: Ducts are less than 15 years old, damage is localized to specific areas, duct design is fundamentally sound, budget is limited.
- Consider Replacement If: Ducts are 20+ years old with widespread deterioration, asbestos-wrapped ducts (common in homes built before 1980), severe rodent damage throughout system, undersized ducts causing chronic problems, major home renovation or addition planned.
Ductwork and Home Additions
Adding rooms to your Ann Arbor home requires ductwork modifications:
- Load calculations determine if existing HVAC can handle additional space
- New duct runs must be properly sized and connected
- Airflow must be rebalanced throughout entire system
- Building codes require proper insulation and sealing
- Contractor may recommend zoning systems for better control
Duct Insulation in Michigan
Proper duct insulation is critical in Michigan's climate:
- Attic Ducts: Should have R-8 insulation minimum; R-12 is better
- Crawlspace Ducts: Require insulation and vapor barrier to prevent condensation
- Garage Ducts: Need heavy insulation to prevent freezing and heat loss
- Basement Ducts: Less critical but still beneficial in unfinished basements
Missing or damaged insulation causes significant energy loss and can lead to condensation and duct deterioration.
How Long Does Ductwork Repair Take?
Ductwork repair timelines vary by scope:
- Minor Repairs: 2-4 hours (sealing a few leaks, reconnecting sections)
- Moderate Repairs: 4-8 hours (multiple repairs, some replacement)
- Extensive Repairs: 1-2 days (significant sealing, multiple replacements)
- Complete Replacement: 2-5 days (entire duct system for average home)
Questions to Ask Ductwork Contractors
When getting quotes for ductwork repair, ask:
- Will you perform a complete duct inspection before providing estimates?
- What specific problems did you find in my ductwork?
- What repair method do you recommend and why?
- How much improvement can I expect in energy bills and comfort?
- Do you offer duct sealing performance guarantees?
- Are permits required for this work?
- How long will repairs take?
- What warranty do you provide on ductwork repairs?
- Can you provide before-and-after airflow testing?