Do you ever notice a weird musty smell coming from your vents? Does the air constantly feel stale, stuffy, and humid inside your home? If you answered yes to either of these questions, there’s a pretty good chance that your ducts are leaking.
Improperly sealed or insulated ductwork can cause serious problems for both your HVAC system and wallet. Poorly maintained HVAC systems increase energy consumption – leading to higher utility bills every month – while allowing dirt and dust particles into the air in place of conditioned air.
In this blog post, we’ll explain how leaky ducts can affect the performance of your heating and cooling system so that you’re better informed on how you can protect yourself against unnecessary cost increases. You can also visit the following link for more information on how to check your ductwork to know if there’s a leak: https://www.hurlimanheating.com/blog/2022/may/how-to-check-your-ductwork-for-leaks/
What are some common causes of duct leaks?
Duct leaks are a major contributor to poor home energy efficiency and can also cause discomfort within your living environment. Common causes of these leaks include incorrect installation, improper seals and connections, age or deterioration of duct materials, misaligned or damaged ducts, inadequate insulation, and obstructions such as pets and stored items.
If a duct is improperly installed it will likely be an inaccurate fit, leading to cracks between building members. Insufficient insulation may allow cold air from outside the home to migrate into the connected areas which can cause condensation and eventually corrosion of the duct material. Natural wear and tear of the duct material over time can also increase the likelihood of air leakage.
Fortunately, these potential issues can be mitigated with regular inspection and maintenance by qualified professionals.
What are the consequences of leaking ducts on your home’s HVAC system?
Leaking ducts can significantly hinder the performance of an HVAC system in the home. It affects both cooling and heating processes, as air escapes out of leaky ducts, decreasing the efficiency of the system and causing it to work harder.
Over time, this leads to higher energy costs in addition to greater exposure to dust, dirt, and other pollutants that can be sucked into your living space as a result of these imperfections in the ductwork. Furthermore, leaks can lead to increased levels of moisture inside the walls and other areas in the home; which left unchecked could cause the growth of mold, which is highly detrimental to human health.
To ensure that these costly consequences are avoided and for your peace of mind, it’s always best to take preventative measures such as periodic inspections and repairs of your HVAC system’s ducts before any major issues arise.
How do you know if your ducts are leaking?
Duct leaks can be difficult to detect without proper training and expertise in HVAC systems. Fortunately, there are a few signs that homeowners can look for to determine if their ducts are leaking.
Some of the main indicators of air leakage from the ducts include excessive dust buildup within your home, unusual noises coming from the vents, a spike in energy bills, significant temperature differences throughout the house, and musty odors.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should have your ducts inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible. They will be able to identify any areas where the air is escaping or entering your system and recommend appropriate solutions to seal the leaks or reinforce the insulation for improved efficiency.
How can you fix a leaky duct and how much will it cost?
One of the most expensive and energy-draining problems that homeowners face is a leaky duct. Not only can you lose up to 20% of your HVAC system’s output due to such leaks, but they can drive up the cost of your energy bill each month.
To stop the leaks, it’s important to take proactive steps as soon as possible. It may be something as simple as placing duct tape or caulking around joints and cracks.
Hiring a professional technician is often the best course of action, particularly when it involves difficulties with sealed connections in your stiffening boards or if you’re looking for long-term solutions.
Paying for a home tune-up package is typically much more affordable than individual charges for repair works, averaging about $150-250 depending on any additional services needed.
Should you hire a professional to repair your leaky HVAC ducts or DIY?
Deciding whether to hire a professional to repair your leaky HVAC ducts or take on a DIY project requires careful consideration. Although you could potentially save money if you choose to do it yourself, if the repair is not done correctly, it can end up costing you more in the long run.
Professional services guarantee that the job is done right and may even come with a warranty, so hiring one offers peace of mind while knowing that your ducts are fully sealed and your HVAC system runs efficiently and safely.
Ultimately, the choice between DIY and a professional will depend on your comfort level in doing the task at hand, access to any necessary tools, and knowledge about how to safely use them.
