Ductwork Repair – And Why It Matters
You’ve replaced your filter. Your thermostat is properly programmed. Your HVAC system is relatively new. So why are your energy bills still climbing, and why does your home never feel as comfortable as it should?
The culprit may not be your unit—it may be hidden inside your walls and ceilings: your ductwork.
At AlexSplit Heating & Cooling, we help Central Texas homeowners uncover one of the most overlooked causes of HVAC inefficiency—leaky, undersized, or poorly designed duct systems. In fact, ductwork issues can account for 20% to 30% of total energy loss, even if your HVAC unit itself is in great condition.
In this blog, we’ll explain how ductwork impacts your system’s performance, common issues we see in Texas homes, warning signs of duct problems, and how AlexSplit inspects, repairs, and upgrades duct systems to restore comfort and lower your utility bills.
Why Ductwork Matters More Than You Think
Think of your ductwork as the vascular system of your home. Just as arteries carry blood from the heart to the body, ducts move conditioned air from your HVAC system into each room. But if those ducts are leaking, poorly routed, or outdated, your air might be going everywhere except where you need it most.
Poor ductwork often leads to:
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Uneven temperatures from room to room
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High energy bills despite a well-maintained unit
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Dusty or musty indoor air
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HVAC units cycling constantly or wearing out prematurely
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Hot spots in summer and cold drafts in winter
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Reduced indoor air quality (IAQ)
Even if your HVAC system is the heart, without efficient ducts—the “arteries”—you’re losing comfort and money.
Common Ductwork Issues in Texas Homes
Whether your home was built 30 years ago or just last year, ductwork problems are common across Central Texas. At AlexSplit, we frequently see:
1. Leaky Ducts
Seals and connections break down over time, and even small leaks cause massive airflow loss.
2. Poor Insulation
Uninsulated ducts in attics or crawlspaces allow conditioned air to change temperature before reaching your vents.
3. Improper Sizing
Ducts that are too small restrict airflow, while oversized ducts reduce pressure and efficiency.
4. Kinks and Crushed Sections
Flexible ducts often get crushed or bent, severely restricting airflow.
5. Long or Twisted Runs
The more twists and length your ductwork has, the harder your HVAC system works.
6. Poor Layout or Design
Return vents in the wrong spots, or too few supply vents, can make entire rooms uncomfortable.
How Much Energy Are You Losing?
According to ENERGY STAR, the average home loses 20–30% of conditioned air through leaky or poorly connected ducts.
That means if your system produces 100% cooled air, only 70% might reach your living space—while you still pay for the full 100%.
Warning Signs of Ductwork Problems
You don’t need to tear open your walls to suspect a duct issue. Watch for these red flags:
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Certain rooms hotter or colder than the rest
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Utility bills rising despite maintenance
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HVAC unit constantly running or short cycling
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Rooms take a long time to heat or cool
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Excess dust around vents or furniture
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Whistling or rattling noises overhead
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An older HVAC system that can’t keep up
If these sound familiar, your ductwork may be working against your HVAC system instead of with it.
Our Duct Inspection & Repair Process
At AlexSplit, we provide full ductwork services—inspection, repair, sealing, redesign, and replacement.
Here’s how we restore your airflow and efficiency:
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Duct System Evaluation – Using thermal imaging, flow meters, and pressure testing, we identify where your system is losing air.
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Leak Detection & Sealing – We seal leaks using professional-grade mastic or advanced duct sealant—not flimsy duct tape.
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Insulation Upgrades – We add proper insulation to protect ducts in hot attics and cold crawlspaces.
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Design Optimization – We redesign or resize ducts if your layout is causing inefficiency.
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Duct Cleaning (Optional) – We remove dust, allergens, and buildup that impact indoor air quality.
Cost of Ductwork Repairs vs. Replacement
| Service | Average Cost Range | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| Duct Sealing | $500–$1,000 | Homes with leaks but solid duct design |
| Duct Insulation | $400–$1,200 | Attic ducts with major temp loss |
| Duct Redesign/Resizing | $1,500–$4,000+ | Uneven airflow or remodels/additions |
| Full Duct Replacement | $3,500–$8,000+ | Aging or poorly designed systems |
We always start with the most cost-effective solution first and provide a transparent, itemized quote.
Real Example: Comfort Restored in Central Texas
Location: Suburban Austin home
Issue: High energy bills + upstairs room that never cooled
Inspection: Found multiple leaks in attic ductwork, missing insulation, and disconnected joints
Solution:
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Sealed all duct joints
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Added insulation wraps
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Adjusted return vent placement
Results:
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Monthly bills dropped by $65
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Even temperatures across rooms
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Quieter system performance
Pro Tips for Maintaining Ductwork Health
Once your ducts are optimized, follow these steps to keep them performing:
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✅ Replace air filters monthly (or as recommended)
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✅ Have ducts inspected every 2–3 years
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✅ Avoid crushing duct runs with boxes in attics
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✅ Schedule seasonal HVAC tune-ups
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✅ Ask about zoning systems for better room-by-room control
Why Work With AlexSplit?
When it comes to HVAC services in Austin and Central Texas, AlexSplit is trusted for our honest diagnostics, quality work, and fast service.
What sets us apart:
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Licensed & certified HVAC professionals
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Transparent, no-pressure recommendations
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High-quality materials & code-compliant repairs
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Flexible financing options
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Fast response across Austin & surrounding cities
Serving Central Texas With Pride
We provide duct inspection and repair services across:
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Austin
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Round Rock
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Pflugerville
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Cedar Park
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Hutto
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Georgetown
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And surrounding areas
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Bad Ducts Waste Good Air
Your HVAC system can only perform at its best when your ductwork supports it. A high-efficiency unit is useless if conditioned air gets lost along the way.
Let AlexSplit Heating & Cooling inspect, seal, insulate, or redesign your duct system—so you can breathe easier, feel more comfortable, and save money.
📞 Call today to schedule your duct system evaluation
🌐 www.alexsplit.com
📍 Proudly serving Central Texas homes with expert HVAC services
