Ductwork Repair & Replacement in Baton Rouge, LA

Why ducts matter so much here

Most Baton Rouge homes run their ducts through the attic. In summer, attic air is hot and humid. A leaky supply duct blows cooled air into that attic; a leaky return duct pulls attic air, heat, humidity and dust into the system. The AC runs longer, the house stays damper, and rooms at the end of long runs never quite cool. ENERGY STAR includes checking ducts in a complete HVAC checkup (ENERGY STAR, HVAC Maintenance Checklist).

Signs your ducts need attention

• Rooms that are always several degrees warmer than the rest of the house.
• Weak airflow from some registers.
• Registers or ceilings that sweat, drip or show stains in summer.
• Musty smells when the system runs.
• Dust buildup around registers or in the house.
• Rising electric bills without an obvious cause.

Common problems in Baton Rouge homes

Disconnected and crushed flex duct

Flexible duct sags between hangers, kinks at sharp turns and gets crushed by storage or someone crawling through the attic. Connections at the plenum and register boots pull apart. A completely disconnected run can cool the attic for years.

Sweating ducts and registers

When cold duct surfaces meet humid attic air, they sweat. Torn or thin insulation, gaps at register boots, and attics with poor ventilation make it worse. The water stains drywall and feeds mold (EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home).

Flood-damaged ductwork

Ducts that run under raised floors or through areas that took on water in 2016 or later floods may have been soaked. Flex duct and duct board that were wet with floodwater generally should be replaced, not cleaned. See the flood guide.

Undersized returns

A single central return starves bedrooms when doors are closed and makes the system work harder. Additional returns, transfer grilles or jumper ducts help.

Older duct board and metal ducts

In older Mid City and Garden District homes, systems were often added decades after construction, with ducts squeezed into tight attics or under raised floors. Many are due for redesign.

Fixes

• Repair: reconnect, re-hang and replace damaged sections.
• Seal: mastic or UL-listed foil tape at joints, plenums and boots; seal boots to the ceiling.
• Insulate: replace torn or thin duct insulation.
• Replace or redesign: new ducts sized for the airflow each room needs, especially with a new system.
• Test: duct leakage and room airflow measurements confirm the result.

Related guides

• Why Does My AC Smell Musty? A Baton Rouge Guide
• Your HVAC System After a Flood: A Baton Rouge Guide

Sources: ENERGY STAR, HVAC Maintenance Checklist; EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home.