Duct Replacement
vs Duct Sealing
Which does your Arizona home actually need? Bradford explains the difference, when each is the right fix, and what each costs — so you can make an informed decision.
4.8· 276 Google ReviewsFree in-home assessment · Bradford tells you which you need
THE QUICK ANSWER: If your ducts are structurally sound → seal them. If they're deteriorated, collapsed, or undersized → replace them.
Not sure which applies to your home? Bradford offers a free in-home duct assessment — we'll tell you honestly.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
DUCT SEALING
Duct sealing repairs the gaps, cracks, and disconnected joints in your existing duct system. Bradford applies professional mastic sealant to all accessible connections, stopping conditioned air from escaping into your attic before it reaches your living space.
Think of it like caulking the gaps around your windows — the window frame is still good, you're just stopping the air leaks.
TYPICAL COST: $800–$2,500
Free duct leakage test included · Mastic sealant · 4–8 hours
DUCT REPLACEMENT
Duct replacement removes your entire old duct system and installs new R-8 flex duct or rigid sheet metal. It's the right fix when the duct material itself is deteriorated, collapsed, or undersized — problems that sealing can't address.
Think of it like replacing the windows themselves — not just caulking the gaps. The whole system is new, properly sized, and properly insulated.
TYPICAL COST: $3,500–$10,000
Free assessment included · R-8 flex duct · 1–2 days
WHEN TO CHOOSE EACH OPTION
CHOOSE DUCT SEALING WHEN:
- Your home is less than 15 years old and ducts are structurally intact
- You've noticed high electric bills but rooms cool reasonably well
- Your duct inspection shows leaky joints but no collapsed or torn sections
- You want to improve efficiency without a full replacement investment
- Your ducts are properly sized but losing conditioned air at connections
CHOOSE DUCT REPLACEMENT WHEN:
- Your home was built before 2005 and has original builder-grade R-4 or R-6 flex duct
- You have rooms that never cool properly despite the AC running well
- Your duct inspection shows collapsed sections, torn insulation, or kinked runs
- Your ducts are undersized for your current AC system
- Your home is in Sun City West or Sun City with original 1970s–80s ductwork
- You've replaced your AC unit and want ductwork that matches its capacity
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
| Factor | Duct Sealing | Duct Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Structurally sound ducts with leaky joints | Deteriorated, collapsed, or undersized ducts |
| Typical cost | $800–$2,500 | $3,500–$10,000 |
| Time to complete | 4–8 hours | 1–2 days |
| Lifespan | 10–20+ years | 20–30 years |
| Energy savings | 15–25% reduction in duct losses | 25–40% reduction in duct losses |
| Fixes undersized ducts | No | Yes — properly sized for your system |
| Fixes collapsed sections | No | Yes — complete removal and replacement |
| Fixes torn insulation jacket | Partially | Yes — R-8 insulation throughout |
| Fixes airflow to hot rooms | Sometimes (if leak is near that room) | Yes — can resize and reroute runs |
| Free assessment | Yes — Bradford inspects before quoting | Yes — Bradford inspects before quoting |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
$59 A/C TUNE-UP & INSPECTION
Per unit · Full 20-point inspection · Serving West Valley
Or request a quote for any other service below