Chuck Baumer Heating and Cooling designs and fabricates custom ductwork in-house for new construction, remodels, additions, and duct replacements across Bay, Midland, and Saginaw Counties.
New Home Construction
We work with homeowners and general contractors to design and install complete HVAC systems. We perform Manual J load calculations to properly size equipment and design duct layouts. Free estimates for builders and homeowners.
Home Remodels and Renovations
Remodeling is the perfect time to address ductwork issues. Older Bay City homes often have ductwork designed for a different floor plan. We can redesign and rebuild your duct system to match the new layout and coordinate with your contractor.
Home Additions
Adding a room or finishing a basement means that space needs heating and cooling. We assess your existing system’s capacity and design the ductwork extension to integrate with what you have. If the existing system is not large enough, we can discuss furnace installation or ductless mini-split options.
Custom Ductwork Fabrication
Every duct system we build is fabricated in-house from sheet metal to the exact dimensions your project requires.
- Perfect fit – Custom ducts fit your space exactly with no gaps that leak air
- Better airflow – Properly sized runs deliver balanced airflow to every room
- Longer life – Sheet metal construction outlasts flexible duct alternatives
- Sealed connections – We seal every joint with mastic, not duct tape that fails over time
Duct System Replacement
In older homes, ductwork is often the source of comfort problems and high energy bills. Leaky or poorly designed duct systems waste significant heating and cooling energy. If your ductwork is more than 25-30 years old, a full replacement may be the most cost-effective solution. See our rebates page for programs that may apply.
Correcting Airflow Problems
If certain rooms are always too hot or too cold, the problem is almost always ductwork rather than equipment. We identify where the design went wrong and make targeted modifications. This is often combined with a new furnace or AC installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ductwork last?
Properly installed sheet metal ductwork can last 30 years or more. The joints, seals, and insulation typically degrade much sooner – often within 15-20 years – leading to air leaks and reduced efficiency long before the metal itself wears out.
What are the signs my ductwork needs to be replaced?
Common signs include uneven temperatures between rooms, whistling or banging noises when the system runs, visibly disconnected or sagging sections, excessive dust around vents, and rising energy bills with no other explanation. We assess your system during a free estimate and give you an honest recommendation.
Can leaky or undersized ducts make my energy bills higher?
Yes. The EPA estimates that the typical home loses 20-30% of conditioned air through duct leaks and poor connections. Your furnace or AC has to run longer to compensate, which drives up your energy bills and shortens equipment life.
What is the difference between custom sheet metal ductwork and flexible ducting?
Sheet metal ducts are rigid, durable, and engineered for balanced airflow. Flexible ducting is cheaper and faster to install but kinks, sags, restricts airflow, and typically fails much sooner. We fabricate sheet metal in-house for our installations and only use flex duct for short transition runs where it is appropriate.
Do ducts need to be insulated in Michigan?
Yes. Any ductwork running through unconditioned space – attics, crawlspaces, garages – should be insulated to prevent energy loss. Michigan winters and humid summers make this especially important. We insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces as part of every install.
Do you work with home builders and general contractors?
Yes. We work regularly with GCs and custom home builders throughout Bay, Midland, and Saginaw Counties.
Can you add ductwork to a home that does not have any?
Yes. Homes with boilers or radiators often have no existing ductwork. We can design a complete forced-air duct system or recommend a ductless mini-split if a ducted system is not practical.
Do you do ductwork for commercial buildings?
Yes. Learn more about our commercial HVAC services.
How much does custom ductwork cost?
Cost depends on the size of your home, the complexity of the design, accessibility (open framing versus finished walls), and whether we are modifying an existing system or building one from scratch. We provide a written estimate after looking at the project – free of charge.
Do you offer duct cleaning?
No, we do not offer duct cleaning. If you have indoor air quality concerns, our indoor air quality services address the root causes – filtration, humidity, and air purification – which usually have a greater impact than cleaning alone.
Free estimates on all ductwork projects. Call 989-684-7521 or contact us online. Chuck Baumer Heating and Cooling – Bay City, MI since 1986.
Financing Available
We work with multiple financing partners to help make your new system affordable — Synchrony, Michigan Savers, and United Bay Community Credit Union (UBCCU). We'll connect you with the right option at the time of your estimate. The application and approval process is handled directly between you and the lender. Learn more about financing →
