The half of the system nobody looks at. Duct design and installation, repair and replacement, air balancing, exhaust and make-up air.
Why the duct is usually the reason a room never gets cool
A correctly sized system on bad duct performs like an undersized one. Leaking, crushed or badly routed duct is behind a surprising share of the “my AC cannot keep up” calls we take, and it is the part a replacement quote most often leaves out.
We design and install new duct, repair and replace what is failing, and balance the air so the far bedroom gets what it is supposed to. On the commercial side that extends to exhaust fans, kitchen hoods and make-up air.
Ductwork and ventilation work we do
- Duct Design & Installation
- Duct Repair & Replacement
- Air Balancing
- Exhaust Fans & Hoods
- Make-Up Air Systems
Is it cheaper to fix the duct or replace the system?
Almost always the duct, and it is the cheaper answer often enough that it is worth checking before anyone quotes you a system.
Sealing and repairing accessible duct is a fraction of a replacement. A full redesign and re-run costs considerably more, but it is still less than replacing a system that will underperform on the same bad duct, which is what happens when the duct is never looked at.
The honest test is measurement. If the airflow at the register is well short of what the system is producing, the duct is the problem and a bigger unit will not fix it. We would rather measure first and tell you the cheap answer than sell you the expensive one.
Ductwork and airflow questions we get asked
Why are some rooms never cool even though the AC runs constantly?
Usually the duct, not the unit. Leaking joints, a crushed run in the attic, or a boot that has come off entirely will starve one end of the house while the system runs itself into the ground trying to compensate. It is worth measuring the airflow before anyone quotes you a bigger system: a larger unit on the same bad duct produces the same cold room and a higher bill.
Does duct sealing actually make a difference?
In this climate, yes, and for a reason beyond energy: leaking return duct in a hot attic pulls in humid air, so the system spends its capacity dehumidifying air it should never have been given. That shows up as a house that is cold and still feels clammy.
What is air balancing?
Measuring the airflow room by room and adjusting the dampers so each room gets the share it was designed for. It is the difference between a system that is technically working and a house that is actually comfortable in every room.
Do you do commercial kitchen hoods and make-up air?
Yes. Exhaust hoods, extraction and make-up air systems. Make-up air is the part most often skipped and it matters: a hood pulling air out of a building with nothing replacing it puts the space under negative pressure, which affects everything from door operation to how the rest of the HVAC behaves.
Reviews
What customers say about Southern Dreams Mechanical
Southern Dreams was phenomenal, professional and very thorough. I highly suggest anyone needing AC work, he is the guy. He isn’t going to sell you something you don’t need but will evaluate your system and get exactly what you need. He is pro active and will keep your system working.
D C.via Google
Good communication and always on time. He did my AC in my house and was significantly cheaper then some of the other quotes I got.
Darren O.via Google
Reviews usually are a dime a dozen but I will say this. This company is absolutely the best that I’ve encountered in a long time. Honesty, willingness, transparency, and accommodating. Trey, the owner was amazing, knowledgeable, and most of all real. So, if you are looking for an AC/heating guy that is reliable. Then this is the company for you
Evette C.via Google
Rooms that never get cool?
It is often the duct, not the unit. Ask Trey to look before you replace anything.
Call (225) 772-4703Or book a visit online