Heating + cooling
Ductwork repairs and modifications in Ottawa
Hot upstairs bedrooms, a cold basement and a furnace that roars: often the equipment is fine and the ducts are the problem. We find where the air is going and fix the runs that need it.
- HRAI member
- TSSA affiliated
- Licensed technicians
- Free estimates
01Is it time?
Your ductwork may need attention if…
- 01 Some rooms are always too hot or too cold compared with the rest of the house.
- 02 Vents whistle, or the system is loud when the fan runs.
- 03 Airflow from some vents is barely noticeable.
- 04 You're finishing a basement or renovating and walls are moving.
- 05 You're adding central air or a heat pump to a system built for heating only.
- 06 There are visible gaps, crushed runs or disconnected ducts in the basement or attic.
02The install
What we do on a ductwork job
We measure before we cut. Duct changes should solve a specific problem, not just add metal.
Static pressure test
We measure how hard the blower is working against your ducts. High pressure points to undersized returns, restrictive filters or tight runs.
Room-by-room airflow
We check how much air reaches each room and compare it with what the room needs, so we know which runs to change.
Sealing leaky joints
Joints and seams are sealed with mastic or foil tape rated for ducts, not cloth duct tape, which dries out and falls off.
Return air
Many older homes have too few returns, especially upstairs. Adding or enlarging returns is often the single biggest fix for uneven temperatures.
Balancing dampers
We add or adjust dampers so air can be shifted between floors for heating season and cooling season.
Clean, code-compliant work
New runs are properly supported, insulated where they pass through unheated spaces, and sealed at every joint.
04Options
Common ductwork fixes
What we recommend depends on the measurements. These are the jobs we do most.
Sealing and balancing
Best for: Uneven rooms in an otherwise sound system
Seal leaks at joints and the furnace, then balance airflow between floors with dampers. A fairly quick job that often makes a noticeable difference.
Modifications and new runs
Best for: Renovations, basements and additions
Reroute, extend or add supply and return runs to suit a new layout. Best planned before drywall goes up.
Return and trunk upgrades
Best for: Adding AC or a heat pump, noisy systems
Cooling and heat pumps move more air than older heating-only systems were built for. Larger returns or trunks lower pressure, cut noise and protect the equipment.
05How it works
From first call to first cold night
- 1
Call or book online
Tell us which rooms are uncomfortable or what you're renovating.
- 2
Assessment
We measure static pressure and airflow, and look at the duct layout in the basement, walls and attic where we can reach it.
- 3
Clear written quote
The specific changes we recommend, what they should fix, and the price in writing.
- 4
The work
Sealing and balancing jobs are often done in a day. New runs depend on access and how much finishing is in the way.
- 5
Re-test
We measure again afterwards to confirm the changes did what they were supposed to.
What does ductwork cost?
Access is the biggest factor. Work in an unfinished basement is far simpler than running new ducts through finished walls and ceilings. The number of runs, return air changes and any insulation work also affect the price.
We give you the price in writing before we start, and we'll tell you if a cheaper fix is likely to solve the problem. Sometimes a new return or a couple of dampers does more than replacing the furnace would.
Rebates & financing
Ductwork on its own rarely qualifies for rebates. The payoff is efficiency: sealed, properly sized ducts let your furnace, AC or heat pump deliver the heat and cooling you're paying for.
Current programsWhy is my upstairs so hot in summer?
Heat rises, cooling air is heavier, and many older homes have small or too few upstairs returns. Adding return air, balancing dampers and sealing leaks usually helps more than a bigger air conditioner.
Should I close vents in rooms I don't use?
Not too many. Closing vents raises pressure in the ducts, which can make the blower work harder and the system noisier. Dampers in the trunk lines are a better way to shift air.
Do I need duct cleaning?
Not usually on a schedule. It's worth doing after renovations, if there's visible debris or mould, or if you've moved into a home with an unknown history. A good filter does more day to day.
Can you add heat to my finished basement?
Often, yes. We look at where a new supply and return can run without tearing up finished ceilings. Where ducts aren't practical, a ductless mini-split can be a cleaner option.
Will my ducts work with a new heat pump?
Sometimes as is, sometimes with changes. Heat pumps need more airflow than many furnaces were set up for. We check static pressure at the estimate so any duct work is known before the quote, not halfway through the install.
Is duct tape fine for sealing ducts?
No. Standard cloth duct tape breaks down with heat and age, and within a few years it peels away from the joints. Ducts should be sealed with mastic or foil tape rated for HVAC use, which stays put for the life of the system.
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