Quick answer: Original ducts in 1970s and 1980s Fountain Hills homes often leak, lack returns or have crushed flex runs. Testing static pressure and leakage shows whether to seal, repair or replace them.
Fountain Hills began building homes in the early 1970s, and the oldest neighborhoods around the town center and the lower slopes are now 40 to 50 years old. Equipment in those homes has usually been replaced at least twice. The ducts often have not.
What we find in original duct systems
- Leaky joints and boots. Tape and mastic dry out after decades in a hot attic. Leaks lose cooled air and pull in dusty attic air.
- Too few returns. Older designs often have a single central return. Closed bedroom doors then choke airflow.
- Crushed or kinked flex duct from later remodels, roof work or storage in the attic.
- Undersized trunk lines for today’s higher-airflow equipment.
- Older materials. Some ducts and duct wrap from that era contain asbestos. We do not disturb suspect material; testing and abatement come first.
How we test
We measure static pressure and airflow, inspect accessible ducts, and where it helps, run a duct leakage test. The numbers tell us whether to seal, repair or replace sections rather than guessing.
Repair options
- Seal joints and boots with mastic.
- Add returns or transfer grilles to bedrooms.
- Replace damaged flex runs and resize undersized trunks.
- Replace the whole system when it is beyond saving.
Rebates
SRP has offered a duct test-and-repair rebate for its customers. Check SRP’s current terms before the work is scheduled, as some rebates require pre-approval.
Replacing equipment soon? Fix the ducts at the same time; see system replacement.
Common questions
How do I know if my ducts leak?
A duct leakage test measures it. Dusty rooms and uneven temperatures are common signs.
Do old ducts contain asbestos?
Some materials from that era do. Suspect material should be tested before it is disturbed.
Should I fix ducts when replacing my AC?
Yes, it is the cheapest time to do it.
Older home with uneven rooms? Call 480-336-2721 and tell us your street or neighborhood in Fountain Hills.