Leaky Ductwork: How to Identify It and Why It’s a Problem
The ducts are the unsung heroes of the HVAC system. Though you may not notice them or think of them often, they play an essential role in air distribution. Without properly functioning ducts, you can end up losing a lot of your air before it ever reaches you. As spring approaches, we recommend paying close attention to your ductwork. If you have leaks, they could significantly affect your home and comfort level.
Are Your Ducts Leaking?
Leaks can occur in a variety of spots in your HVAC ducts. Some may come from tiny gaps where your ducts are fitted to your vents and air handler. Others may look like holes or cuts in the sides of your ducts. If you hold a sheet of tissue paper near a leaky duct, you might see it flicker due to some air escaping from very small leaks. Unfortunately, because most HVAC ducts are in hard-to-reach areas, it’s not always possible to detect leaks. Even when you do manage to inspect them, it’s often difficult to identify damage. In most cases, it’s easier to identify duct leaks by looking for other signs around your home.
In many cases, negative pressure in leaking return ducts will pull in air from empty voids, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces, as they travel through your system. This air is often a little stale and dusty, so you may notice musty odors in your house or streaks of dirt appearing around air vents. Another way to check for duct leaks is to listen closely to the vents while your HVAC system is running. Some leaks may cause whistling or squeaking sounds. The final sign of a leaky duct that you need to look out for is an unexplained increase in your utility bills. If your HVAC system is operating normally, but operating costs keep rising, you may have duct leaks.
Leaking Ducts Increase Your Energy Bills
Duct leaks are a problem because they greatly reduce your HVAC efficiency. HVAC systems are designed to operate as closed loops that move air through precisely calculated spaces. If your ducts are allowing air to escape or pulling in outside air, your blower may struggle to move air properly. The other major issue is that ducts typically run through the attic, walls, basement, and other areas of the home that aren’t heated or cooled. When they leak, they discharge some of your treated air. If you’re running your heater, the air coming from your vents may be colder, and when running your air conditioner, the air may be slightly too warm. Ultimately, you’ll need to run your HVAC longer to reach your desired temperature.
How much does this reduced efficiency end up impacting your utility bills? The exact answer depends on where your leaks are and how big they are. For example, if your ducts are leaking 20% of their air, your system is operating at about 50% higher capacity. On average, repairing duct leaks can save you about 20% on your heating and cooling costs for the year. For many homeowners, this results in hundreds of dollars being saved.
What to Do if You Suspect Leaky Ductwork
There are a lot of telltale signs that your ducts aren’t working optimally, but the only way to confirm the problem is by talking to a professional. An HVAC inspection can narrow down the issue and let you know exactly which ducts are leaking and how much air you’re losing. This makes it easier to develop a treatment plan and get your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible.
If you’re tired of dealing with all the hassle of leaking ducts, turn to BELOMAN. Our team has plenty of experience working with leaky ducts. Depending on your issue, we can tighten fittings, patch holes, or replace entire sections of ductwork. You can count on us to provide well-sealed ducts that will transfer your air quickly and efficiently. We have over 65 years of experience helping Belleville residents with their HVAC systems, so we’re the ideal choice for duct cleaning, HVAC repairs, and maintenance. Give BELOMAN in Belleville a call today to learn more about our services.
