Leaky air ducts are one of the most common yet overlooked issues that affect HVAC efficiency. If you’ve noticed your air conditioner or heater struggling to maintain comfortable temperatures, certain rooms feeling hotter or colder than others, or an unexplained increase in energy bills, your ductwork could be the problem.
Duct leaks cause conditioned air to escape before it reaches your living spaces, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and reducing overall efficiency. Fixing these leaks can improve indoor comfort, lower energy costs, and extend the life of your heating and cooling system.
Like any part of your home, ductwork ages over time. Seams, joints, and connections naturally loosen, leading to small gaps that let air escape. This is especially common at elbows and bends in the duct system. Materials can also deteriorate due to constant airflow, temperature fluctuations, and humidity changes.
Improperly installed ductwork may have weak connections or insufficient sealing, making leaks more likely. If your ducts were installed hastily or with poor-quality materials, you could experience significant air loss, leading to higher energy bills and an inefficient HVAC system.
Your HVAC system relies on balanced air pressure to distribute conditioned air evenly. If there’s a pressure imbalance—such as from blocked vents, clogged filters, or improper duct sizing—air can be forced out of weak points in the ductwork, creating leaks.
Rodents like mice, squirrels, and even insects can cause damage to your ductwork. They may chew through ducts, loosen seals, or create holes that allow air to escape. Pests can also bring contaminants like dander and droppings into your home’s air supply, affecting air quality.
Your home naturally shifts over time due to settling, temperature changes, and external factors. These shifts can cause ducts to move slightly, loosening connections and creating leaks. HVAC systems also generate vibrations, which can gradually wear down duct seals.
If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, it may be time to check for duct leaks:
Start by checking exposed ductwork in your attic, basement, or crawl spaces. Look for disconnected sections, visible holes, or peeling duct tape. Pay close attention to joints and connections, as these are common leak points.
Turn on your HVAC system and place your hand near duct joints and seams. If you feel air escaping, there’s likely a leak.
Hold a lit incense stick or a piece of tissue near the duct connections. If the smoke or tissue moves erratically instead of rising steadily, there may be an air leak.
Excessive dust buildup near vents and duct openings can indicate leaks, as escaping air may be pulling in debris from unconditioned areas.
Leaky air ducts aren’t just a minor inconvenience—they can lead to major HVAC inefficiencies and indoor air quality issues.
If you suspect your air ducts are leaking, don’t wait! At Crossville Heating & Cooling, our expert technicians can inspect, seal, and repair your ductwork to ensure your HVAC system runs at peak efficiency. Call us today to schedule your duct inspection and start saving on energy bills while improving home comfort!
An air handler is a device that moves conditioned air in your home. It's key to your HVAC system, working with your air conditioner or heat pump to spread cool or warm air.
Homeowners should set up HVAC maintenance twice a year. It's best to do this in the spring and fall. This keeps the system running well and saves energy.
The main parts of an air handler are the blower or fan, evaporator coil, heating elements, air filter, and dampers. These parts work together to take in, condition, and send air through your home.
HVAC maintenance is a service that keeps your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in top shape. It includes checking and maintaining all parts of the HVAC system. This keeps your system efficient.
The air handler goes through a cycle to send conditioned air through your home. It starts by pulling in air from your home. This air then goes through the air filter and gets cooled or heated. Finally, it's sent back into your home through the ducts.
During maintenance, technicians check and service key parts like air filters, coils, refrigerant levels, and electrical connections. This ensures everything works right.
There are three main types of air handlers: residential, commercial, and make-up air units. Residential air handlers are small and work with air conditioners or heat pumps. Commercial air handlers are big and complex, used in large buildings. Make-up air units focus on improving indoor air quality in certain settings.
How often you need HVAC maintenance depends on the system's age and the local climate. Newer systems usually need maintenance once a year. Older systems might need it more often.
Air handlers keep your home comfortable and healthy. They control temperature and humidity, improve air quality, and help your HVAC system work better.
Schedule HVAC maintenance before you really need it, which is usually in spring and fall. This helps the system work better when you need it most.
Common air handler problems include clogged air filters, broken blower motors, and leaky ducts. These issues can make your HVAC system less efficient and make your home uncomfortable.
Regular maintenance makes your HVAC system more reliable. It helps spot problems early and works more efficiently. This can save you money on energy bills.
Keep your air handler running well by cleaning or replacing the air filter, checking the blower motor and other parts for damage, and fixing any duct leaks. Follow the maker's maintenance schedule to make your air handler last longer.
Clean around the outdoor unit and check the coils and cabinet for damage before the technician comes. Also, inspect the ductwork for leaks.
Think about the size and capacity to fit your home's needs, energy efficiency ratings (like SEER), and noise levels when picking an air handler. A professional HVAC contractor can help you choose the right one for your home.
Choose HVAC companies with certified technicians, like those with NATE certification. They should also have a good history of quality service and happy customers.
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