San Jose Air Duct Replacement, Installation + Repair

Do Your Air Ducts Need Work?

You can prevent far more significant (and costly!) repairs down the line if you identify air duct issues early. For instance, if you notice uneven temperatures from room to room, you might have air duct damage or buildup to address. There may be leaks of clogged areas. Higher energy bills (despite consistent usage) are a red flag, as are air quality issues:

• Dustiness
• Musty odors
• More allergy symptoms

You will also want to call us if you notice rattling or whistling sounds. Loose connections or obstructions in your ductwork can cause unwanted noise, and while the fix is relatively simple, you will deal with uncomfortable temperatures and higher energy bills until you get it fixed.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Air Ducts

As air ducts age, they accumulate more leaks, rust, and other causes of inefficiency. If your ducts are over 15 years old, it’s probably a good idea to replace them if you notice problems or bad odors. We’ll also need to inspect your ductwork to see if it was installed properly the first time. Perhaps it was installed incorrectly when your home was built or your central heating and air conditioning was installed – if so, no amount of repairs will resolve the persistent issues. We may need to replace the system to fix the root cause.

Are you renovating your home or upgrading your HVAC system? That’s another good time to replace your ducts. It may only be marginally more expensive to replace all of your ductwork if you are getting a new heat pump, air conditioning system, or replacing drywall already.

It Starts With Careful Inspection and Planning

We mentioned above that poor air duct installation can lead to persistent issues for many years. You will never have that experience with EM Energy & Air.

We begin every installation project with a detailed inspection of your home. We consider the size of your home, the layout, and the type of HVAC system you have or plan to install, and more. We do not start buying materials or running ducts until we know exactly where they will go. Because of this initial attention to detail, we can give you an accurate estimate while we are at your home for the inspection.

Types of Air Ducts We Work With

Different homes require different types of ductwork. We have many years of experience with different types of ducts, and we are always happy to make recommendations within your budget.

Flexible ducts are made of plastic over a metal wire coil. These aren’t very common, but they are ideal for homes that have unusual layouts or tight spaces. We always work carefully with flexible ducts – the last thing we want to do is cause kinks and restrict the airflow.

Sheet metal ducts are far more common. They are made from galvanized steel or aluminum, and they will last for many years and avoid mold and mildew. Fiberglass-lined ducts help dampen noise and control condensation. These are generally used by our commercial clients who need to keep multiple building tenants happy by reducing noise.

From duct boards to common sheet metal ducts, we are happy to help. Get in touch for more information.

EM Energy & Air Is the Best Air Duct Contractor in San Jose

Your All-In-One HVAC Shop

We offer more than just air duct work. Call us for HVAC services, roof ventilation, moisture mitigation, rodent control, and more. Our customers love having one local company that they can call for almost anything, and since different issues are often uncovered when you start inspecting air ducts, it helps to have an air duct expert who can also help with other problems.

Affordable Pricing

We provide the best value in San Jose and all of Santa Clara County. Our prices are incredibly reasonable, and we even have easy to access financing options

Industry-Leading Warranty

At EM Energy and Air, we also offer a longer warranty on our installation services than anyone else in the area. Ask us about it – we fully guarantee the quality of our installation work. We also have excellent turnaround times, and we can handle many installations in 1-3 days.

For a free inspection and estimate, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you and clean, repair, or replace your air ducts.

Clients Love Working With Us

Common Causes of Air Duct Damage

What Wears Down Your Ductwork Over Time?

Air ducts don’t last forever, and in many older San Jose homes, they were installed decades ago using outdated materials or layout methods. Over time, vibration from HVAC equipment, temperature fluctuations, and even normal settling of your home can cause joints to loosen or ducts to separate. Moisture in unsealed crawlspaces or attics can also lead to rust or mold on metal ductwork, especially if your attic isn’t properly ventilated.

We’ve also seen damage caused by rodents or other pests, which often nest in duct insulation or chew through flexible ducts. Whether it’s a physical tear, collapsed ductwork, or a slow leak around a joint, we can pinpoint exactly where the issue is and fix it without replacing more than necessary.

The Benefits of New Air Ducts

Energy Efficiency, Air Quality, and Comfort

If your ducts are more than 15 to 20 years old or were poorly installed to begin with, a full replacement can make a noticeable difference. Modern duct systems are better sealed, better insulated, and designed for your HVAC system’s output. That means more efficient air delivery, reduced strain on your furnace or heat pump, and cleaner indoor air.

You’ll also experience fewer temperature swings between rooms, which is one of the biggest complaints we hear from families with older ductwork. Our team designs each system with airflow balance in mind, so you don’t end up freezing in one room and sweating in another.

Air Duct Frequently Asked Questions

What are signs that my air ducts need to be replaced?

You might notice uneven temperatures from room to room, higher energy bills, excessive dust, or strange smells when the HVAC system runs. These are all signs that your ductwork may be leaking, obstructed, or deteriorating. If your ducts are more than 15–20 years old or were improperly installed, replacement may be the most effective solution.

Can air duct cleaning fix airflow problems?

Cleaning helps if debris or dust is causing a blockage, but it won’t fix structural issues like crushed ducts, disconnected joints, or improper layout. If airflow problems persist after cleaning, we’ll inspect for damage or poor design that might need to be corrected.

How long does ductwork installation usually take?

Most duct replacement or installation jobs take between one and three days, depending on the size of your home and whether we’re removing existing ductwork. We’ll walk you through the scope of work and timeline before we begin so there are no surprises.

Do you inspect the system before replacing ducts?

Yes. We start with a full in-home inspection to evaluate your HVAC equipment, existing duct layout, insulation condition, and attic or crawlspace access. This lets us give you an accurate quote and design a system that matches your home’s specific needs.

Are your air ducts insulated?

All of our duct installations include insulated materials where required—especially in unconditioned spaces like attics or crawlspaces. This helps prevent energy loss, moisture buildup, and condensation, which all impact system performance and air quality.

What kinds of duct materials do you install?

We work with a range of duct types including sheet metal, fiberglass-lined, duct board, and flexible ducts. Each material has different applications depending on the layout and usage of your home. We’ll help you choose the right one for comfort and efficiency.

Can you replace ducts during a remodel or HVAC upgrade?

Absolutely. If you’re upgrading your air conditioner or heat pump, replacing the ductwork at the same time can improve system efficiency and airflow. It’s also a good time to make layout improvements if the original ductwork wasn’t designed for your current HVAC system.

How much does duct replacement cost?

Costs depend on the size of your home, the complexity of the layout, and which materials are used. We provide free inspections and same-day quotes with taxes included, so you’ll have a clear idea of the total cost before the work begins.

What’s the benefit of professionally installed ducts?

A well-designed and properly installed duct system improves energy efficiency, balances room-to-room temperatures, and reduces HVAC strain. It also extends the life of your equipment and helps maintain consistent indoor air quality throughout the home.

Do your installations come with a warranty?

Yes. We offer one of the longest labor warranties in the San Jose area on duct installations. If there’s ever a workmanship issue, we’ll fix it without charging you. Our warranty reflects our commitment to doing the job right the first time.

Some of Our Recent Projects