Summer heat on the horizon means you need to get your home ready to handle high Florida temperatures. Have you noticed high energy bills? Maybe your home never seems to reach the right temperature? A leaky air duct might be the problem.
Even a small gap in your ductwork can let air out, wasting energy and affecting your comfort. With the right strategy, you can find and fix leaky air ducts. Keep your home cool all summer long with these air duct tips.
Air ducts run throughout your home, delivering cool or warm air into each room. If there’s a leak, that air escapes into attics, behind walls and inside crawl spaces. In fact, 20% to 30% of your conditioned air is lost due to leaks and poor duct design. That’s energy you’re paying for but not feeling.
Beyond energy waste, leaks lead to uneven temperatures and increased system strain. If you’re not getting all that air, your home will never be as comfortable as it could be. Whatever you set your thermostat to, the system must work even harder to compensate for the air loss needed to meet that goal. All that extra effort increases system wear, leading to higher repair bills and shorter equipment life. Repairing leaks is essential for protecting your home’s energy efficiency and your wallet.
Air ducts can occur due to installation problems or wear. Any duct movement or long-term wear can create a gap, letting air spill out. Let’s break down some of the main reasons air ducts leak. Once you know what causes leaks, you can take steps to prevent them. Leaks happen due to:
Leaks aren’t completely invisible. Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system will start showing signs if there’s a leak. Here are some of the hints something might be off:
While these signs might be a different issue, they’re commonly seen with leaks. If you’ve noticed multiple signs from the list, there’s likely a leak somewhere. Without addressing the leak, you’ll see increasingly high energy bills and a home that never gets comfortable.
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to start searching. Checking for leaks in HVAC ductwork takes time and dedication. If you suspect a problem, you can use these steps to pinpoint the leak:
Start with a visual inspection. You might be able to find the leak without special tools. Look around your attic, basement or crawlspace for visible problems. The ductwork might have disconnected sections, torn insulation or visible holes. If you find a suspicious spot, put your hand near it while the system runs. Do you feel the air? Then you’ve found the leak.
Sometimes, the leak is too small to see easily. You can try listening for the problem, too. It could be a leak if the system makes hissing, whistling or rattling sounds. Try to find the area the sound is coming from. It might be somewhere out of the way that you missed during your visual inspection.
The joints and seams are a common spot for ductwork to leak. As it ages, these areas become vulnerable to wear. Feel around these connective points to try and find the leak. Move your hand slowly around the joints while the system runs. If it’s a small leak, the air will feel faint, so take your time.
High energy bills out of nowhere could indicate a leak. As air escapes, the system works harder to compensate for the loss. This uses more energy and increases your bills. If you haven’t changed your habits and the temperature is stable, high bills might point to a leak. Also, how do your rooms feel? If certain rooms never feel as cool or warm as they should, the leak could be near that area.
Homeowners can fix small duct leaks without professional help. However, larger leaks and energy concerns should always be left to the professionals. If you’ve found the leak and it’s fairly minor, here’s how to close it up:
Professionals should handle larger leaks, disconnected sections and hidden gaps. They can use expert methods for finding ductwork leaks like duct pressure tests to quickly find all of the leaks. They’ll thoroughly repair or replace any problem areas without the hassle of DIY work. If you have extensive leak issues, an HVAC technician is your most cost-effective option in the long run.
If you think air duct leaks might be causing problems, Strada Air Conditioning & Heating is ready to fix your system. Our residential HVAC services cover all your heating and cooling needs, ensuring your home stays comfortable year-round. Our technicians will inspect your system for leaks and repair any issues they find. With over 20 years of serving Florida residents, we pride ourselves on delivering the industry best in quality and professionalism. Book your service online and get your ducts ready for the summer season.
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
