At some point, your home is going to need a new air duct system and you definitely don’t want to wait until yours goes completely out! Money is the number one concern when it comes to replacing your air duct system, opening the door to the possibility of doing it yourself!
Hiring someone for an average of $60 an hour, there is no telling how much you will end up paying and that is just a minimum. Incentive to DIY, even though this could be quite an undertaking, are the literal thousands of dollars you will save. So, where do you begin?
You’ll need to start the process with a computerized load calculation that determines the heat gain/loss for each room in your home, and ensures a well- balanced duct system. Start your search online for an “HVAC load calculator” and you’ll find an offer for downloadable software that’ll be right around $150.
There are tons of free guides online but your best bet is to purchase a step-by-step DVD to walk you through the replacement process. Be sure that you have the proper tools to cut the holes in your ceiling for the registers (MV4 plastic registers are highly recommended).
Also, you will need a few 2×4 blocks, plywood, a metal plenum (you’ll probably need to assemble it); other odds and ends that will be listed in your video. More supplies include: a return air filter grille; flexible ducts; some round metal start collars; plastic duct straps; and of course, insulation (all available at a ductwork supply store). Are you ready? A few weeks from now, you will be enjoying fresh air and a few extra thousand dollars!
