Should I attempt to redo the duct work in my basement by myself?

Question

My house is ~75 years old. The ducts are original, likely over-sized (they are HUGE), and the worst part is that I bang my head on them all of the time. Rather than have them running past the front of the cellar stairs, I will re-route them around back so I can stand up straight in my basement. Additionally, the basement is always very warm in the winter and cold in the summer (due to air loss from the ducts, not due to being a basement). Also, the return ducts are nothing more than tin sheets over 2 adjacent floor joists (seems I could do better ducting them properly).

So, my question really is, do I need a professional, or can I do a fine job on my own with off-the-shelf duct parts? I don't have access to a break, so I would not be doing any fabricating.

The extra value I would get from having a basement that is more functional to me (i.e., no more "head banging") along with the savings in heat/ac could justify hiring a professional if necessary. Thanks!

Answer 1

You are able to do this yourself! However, you will only be able to buy all the round pipe and fittings you need from a box store. If you have to work with rectangular duct, then the box stores will not have all the fittings you need. There are a lot of problems you can run into. Do you know how to correctly size and transition ductwork? Not doing this correctly can ruin your air handler and take out every ounce of efficiency the unit has. Do you know how to measure for rectangular fittings? If you do have to use rectangular duct, do you know anywhere you can have fittings made?

I have read the answers to both of your questions and had to laugh at some answers. First off, do not use duct tape to seal the joints. It is no longer allowed as an acceptable duct sealant. Besides, it doesn't hold up. Use either the foil tape, which is expensive, or use a good sealant. You can use duct sealant, vulcum, or silicone. All of them work really well. Second, the only reason to insulate your duct is if it is in an unconditioned area such as an attic or in a basement/cellar with no outlets from the duct.

I am an HVAC contractor. The installation isn't rocket science, but the planning takes a little thinking. If you do it yourself, take your time, ask questions, and don't skip corners. If you have a professional do it, get multiple bids, ask questions, and remember, not all contractors are equal and we don't make the as much money as everyone thinks we do.

Answer 2

Unless you are completely incompetent you should be able to do it. They sell duct work at all the big box stores and you can buy a few tools and by on your way. Maybe you should consider insulating the ducts too since it obvious that you are loosing conditioned air to the basement.

The only reason to hire a professional is if you want it done fast....and even then there are no guarantees. I have found in the 6 years that I have been a homeowner that the best way to do the job is to do it yourself. No permits, no 'professionals' whenever possible. But know your limitations. I call the pros when I don't want to do a job (ie drywall) or I am concerned about my ability to make it look good (ie replacing flashing around windows).

Duct work...piece of cake. Just remember DON'T USE DUCT TAPE on your ducts. Use the metal heat tape stuff.

Answer 3

It would be best to allow a professional duct work person to do this for you. In some states it is mandatory because they have to do it by code. A very stiff fine if someone other than a professional person is caught doing it.

Call a few places found in your yellow pages of the telephone book and find out for sure. Have them come out and give you a free estimate.

Answer 4

You can do it. I would try to do it and if you have a problem call in a pro. Good Luck.