If you already own the tools, this DIY is a no-brainer.
Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
What you'll need:
TOOLS
Long knife or hacksaw
Tin snips
Protective gloves
Safety goggles
SUPPLIES
Rubber band
Permanent marker
File
Your ductwork is like the veins of your home, carrying air from your HVAC system through its air vents. As such, having ductwork that fits well can prevent many problems from arising, like condensation in air vents or air leaks that could spike your energy bills. That’s why, if you’re working with flexible ducting, you want to ensure it fits well. Our guide will walk you through how to cut flexible ducting and address common problems that arise with ductwork.
Prepping to Cut Flexible Ducting
You want to have a dedicated work space to do your cutting. If you have a workbench, it’ll be the perfect area to collect your tools and make your cuts. Further, if you’re a newbie tackling this project for the first time, it’s ideal to have someone you know who’s done this project before, or you could hire a handyman to work together. That way, you learn as you go, and they can help you ensure everything fits according to your HVAC system’s design.
How to Cut Flexible Ducting
Now that you have your supplies organized and a dedicated space to do the work, here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut flexible ducting:
Put on Safety Equipment
Photo: Tomasz Zajda / Adobe Stock
Start by putting on your safety glasses and work gloves. This will protect your eyes from flying debris and keep your hands safe while you work with the ductwork. Also, make sure your work area is clear aside from the tools and materials you need to finish the job. Doing this makes it easier to move around and you don’t have stuff in the way while you make your cuts.
Secure the Ductwork
Take a rubber band and wrap the ductwork where you want to cut it. Keep the fit slightly wide, as this allows you the chance to smooth over any rough edges after finishing the cut.
Mark Your Cut
Photo: Image by Marie LaFauci / Moment / Getty Images
Use a permanent marker to mark the line you’ll cut. This can help guide you to ensure it’s as smooth and as straight as possible.
Cut the Ducting
Take your hacksaw or long knife and cut the flexible ducting. Make sure to have your plant hand, the one holding the ductwork, away from your cutting hand at all times. Also, make sure to cut away from your body, as this can protect you from incurring injury.
Snip to Complete the Cut
Towards the end of the cut, you can use a pair of tin snips to complete it. This ensures the cut is as smooth as can be, making it a better fit for your C-box, which is where you connect the ductwork.
After completing the cut, examine the edges of the ductwork. Feel for any rough edges, and upon finding them, smooth them using a file.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Cutting flexible ductwork on its own isn’t that difficult of a job, especially if you’re replacing the whole unit. That said, if you’re cutting for smaller areas requiring precise calculations or you don’t feel comfortable doing the work on your own, an HVAC technician could be a good fit. Service calls start from $100 to $250, though if you’re doing a complete redesign where you replace all of your ductwork, it could run you on average $3,500. The benefit of going with this approach is you’ll learn about the different types of ductwork and creative ways to hide ductwork to fit within your design tastes.
Therefore, consider costs, time investment, and mechanical ability before deciding on whether to hire a local duct installer or do the work yourself.
Common Ductwork Problems
One of the reasons why you might cut flexible ductwork is when you notice a problem with it. Here are some signs that your ductwork could need work:
Condensation: Condensation happens when warmer, outside air combines with the cool air traveling through your ductwork. If you want to learn how to stop condensation on air vents, doing a DIY dry leakage test is a smart option to take. With this approach, you’ll run your hand over the ductwork while your HVAC is on. If you can feel air blowing out, it indicates a leak.
Dirty ducts: When you don’t properly maintain ductwork, it can lead to particle buildup. From here, it blows that dirty air through your air vents into your lungs. That’s why, once every five years, you’ll need to do a duct cleaning. The average air duct cleaning costs $380.
Outdated: Ductwork lasts on average 10 to 15 years with the proper care. If you’re approaching the end of its operational life, it’s a wise choice to replace them. Your local installer can go over options, answering questions like what is the most efficient ductwork? While this is a significant expense upfront, you’ll also be breathing cleaner air, helping your HVAC operate more efficiently, and potentially seeing lower energy bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flexible ductwork offers many advantages, as it’s easy to install and it’s less expensive than other types of ductwork. On top of this, it’s flexible. This means it’s better suited if you have a home with some curves, tight crevices, and corners. You can work with your local duct installer to find solutions that fit well with your home’s design.
You can do simple maintenance to keep it clean and operating in peak condition. Start by replacing the furnace air filters as directed–often, this is once every month or every three. Next, clean your air vents once a month, as they can help you see how much dirty air filters through. If you notice them becoming dirtier, you should have your ducts cleaned. With flexible ducting being more susceptible to tears, you’ll want to hire a pro to do the work for you.
Sean Jackson is a freelance copywriter from Delaware, Ohio, covering real estate, home improvement, insurance, personal finance, and solar energy for CNET, Bankrate, ZDNet, and Marketwatch.
Sean Jackson is a freelance copywriter from Delaware, Ohio, covering real estate, home improvement, insurance, personal finance, and solar energy for CNET, Bankrate, ZDNet, and Marketwatch.
The homeowners guide to Heating and Air Conditioning
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
