HVAC 101: Duct Leaks

Ducts; noun: any tube, canal, pipe, or conduit by which a fluid, air, or other substance is conducted or conveyed.

The Air Ducts in your home are an essential part of how your heating and air systems do what they do. Unfortunately, they can also be the first area you might need to troubleshoot when you start noticing serious efficiency loss. Learn what to look for, and when to call in the professionals.

1.The ducts in your home take on a lot of hard work, especially in the Summertime when the A/C runs hard and often. That’s why they may begin to show signs of wear in the form of overall lost efficiency long before other parts of your well maintained system do. Heat pumps in Winter are also highly susceptible to leaks, since they function as a sort of reverse Air Conditioner.

2. If you notice your home isn’t cooling quickly or staying cool, but you know your HVAC system is in good repair, chances are you have a duct leak. This lost efficiency not only makes for an uncomfortable home, but can also skyrocket your energy bill. The average energy savings for an Arkansas home after duct leak repair is 21.8%!

3. If you suspect a leak is to blame for your lost efficiency, there are three “symptoms” of leaky ducts to look out for. 1. “Stubborn” rooms that are much harder to heat or cool than others in your house. 2. Unusually heavy dust or debris coming from the air vents in certain rooms. And finally, 3. Low air flow that can be felt at any register while the air is running.

4. The best thing about duct leaks is that they are usually easily fixable. The best way to make sure all leaks are found and fixed for good is to call in a pro as soon as you notice the signs. While most people can notice the ducts are leaking, professionals are trained to test and determine exactly where those leaks are and make sure that none of them are missed when making repairs.

When it comes to lost efficiency, and therefore lost money, it just doesn’t make sense to wait. Call on a local pro at Middleton to take care of leaks fast, and you can extend the life of your HVAC system and your budget. Give us a call at 1-800-404-0371, or visit us online to ask a question or schedule a visit!