Ductwork isn’t the flashiest part of your HVAC system, but it plays a major role in how efficiently and evenly your system can heat or cool your building. In North Texas, where summer heat puts commercial systems through long cycles of operation, even minor duct issues can become expensive problems.

Whether you manage a church, warehouse, office or school in the Arlington area, knowing when to schedule maintenance, or when it's time for more substantial ductwork modification, can help improve comfort and reduce operating costs.

Why Duct Maintenance and Professional Cleaning Matter

Routine duct maintenance and cleaning are some of the easiest ways to protect your HVAC investment. Commercial buildings often have extensive duct networks, and even small inefficiencies can snowball over time.

Airflow and Comfort Issues

While commercial ducts are usually large enough that dust buildup alone won’t restrict airflow, other issues can lead to poor air distribution. Blocked registers, collapsed flex duct sections (if used) or even animals nesting in ductwork can create airflow problems. Maintenance helps catch these issues early and ensures air is reaching all zones of the building evenly.

Better Energy Efficiency

When airflow is restricted or leaks are present, your HVAC system has to work harder to meet demand. Sealing leaks, cleaning ducts and checking connections can reduce strain on your system and lower energy bills.

Longer System Lifespan

Reduced strain means fewer breakdowns and less wear on equipment. Keeping your ductwork clean and sealed helps your system operate closer to its original specifications.

Cleaner Indoor Air

Ducts that accumulate dust, pollen, mold spores or other contaminants can circulate them throughout the building. Periodic cleaning and maintenance helps maintain healthier air quality for employees, tenants or visitors.

When to Schedule Duct Maintenance

Commercial ductwork doesn’t usually need attention every season, but there are key times when it makes sense to schedule service:

• After major construction or renovations that may have introduced debris or damaged ducts
• If you notice hot or cold spots in the building
• When utility bills have risen without a clear cause
• At least once every few years, or more often for high-use facilities like schools or manufacturing spaces

Signs It’s Time for Duct Modification or Replacement

Not all duct issues can be solved with maintenance and cleaning. In some cases, especially in older buildings or during system upgrades, ductwork needs to be redesigned, extended or replaced entirely.

Poor System Performance

If your system consistently fails to meet the thermostat setting despite working components, the issue could be with poorly sized or poorly routed ductwork.

A New HVAC System Requires It

Replacing your rooftop unit or installing zoned controls may require a different configuration of ducts to handle airflow properly. Retrofitting new equipment onto old ductwork can cause inefficiencies and noise problems.

Physical Damage

Ducts in warehouses, attics or crawl spaces may be accidentally crushed, torn or disconnected over time. Damaged ducts often need to be replaced to restore performance and airflow.

Outdated Duct Materials

Some older commercial buildings still have ducts made from materials that aren’t up to current efficiency standards—or may be at risk of degradation. Upgrading these ducts can improve both performance and compliance.

Changes in Building Layout

If your floor plan has been modified or repurposed—for example, turning open space into offices—your current ducts may not effectively serve the new design.

Excessive Air Leakage

While some duct leakage is normal, excessive leaks waste energy and reduce system output. If sealing isn’t enough, duct modification or replacement may be the more cost-effective solution.

How to Approach Duct Modifications

If you're considering a duct replacement or redesign, it's important to work with a commercial HVAC company that understands how to balance airflow, pressure and system capacity for large-scale properties.

Unlike residential systems, commercial ductwork must account for longer runs, zoning requirements and heavier operational loads. A full redesign may not always be necessary—but if your building has changed use or your HVAC system has been replaced more than once, it may be worth evaluating how well your ducts match your current setup.



Get Professional Duct Cleaning, Maintenance or Replacement in Arlington and the Greater DFW Area

Ductwork might not be the biggest part of your HVAC system in terms of visibility or budget, but it directly affects how well your system can do its job. If your commercial property in Arlington or the surrounding area needs an inspection or duct evaluation, Tom’s Commercial can help. Call us at 817-857-7400 to schedule duct services.