Air ducts run from the central air conditioner to the corners of your home. When you turn your air conditioner on, the ducts supply cold air from your system to each room. Because they’re in your walls or attic, ducts are usually safe from damage or leaks.
That said, as the air ducts throughout your home age, loose connections and leaks may occur. It’s a good idea for any homeowner to understand the most common signs of air duct leaks in an effort to take action early and repair them before they progress. Keep reading to discover the top signs of leaky air ducts and when to contact a professional.
Signs of Leaky Air Ducts in Your Home
Knowing the signs of leaky air ducts can help you get ahead of the issue to prevent further damage. The top indicators to look out for include the following:
- Rising utility bills: If your utility bills are suddenly higher than usual, this could be due to air escaping from your ducts. As the HVAC system works harder to generate consistent airflow, it will use more energy to produce the same results.
- Humming noises: When air escapes out of ductwork, it often makes strange noises, such as hums or groans.
- Cold spots on your walls: Escaping air from your ductwork creates cold spots. It’s common to notice the temperature change behind bedroom, living room, or bathroom walls where there is leaky ductwork.
- Poor airflow: A leaking duct will reduce the amount of airflow in your home. If you put your hand up to a vent and notice little air coming from it, you may have a leak or loose connection somewhere along the ductwork pipe or trunk.
How to Detect Ductwork Leakage
If you suspect a leak in your ductwork, it’s best to contact a professional as soon as possible. However, you can perform a visual test beforehand to confirm your suspicions.
To detect ductwork leakage, begin by turning your HVAC system to full power, making it easier to detect air leaks. Next, locate easy-to-access ductwork in areas such as your attic, basement, or crawlspace. Examine the ducts to check for tears, gaps, or disconnections while feeling for escaping air. Pay close attention to the joints and elbows where your ducts connect — they’re the most common areas for leakage to occur.
Understanding the Causes of Leaking Ductwork
Leaks can occur in your ductwork for various reasons, from aging systems to pests. It is important to identify the cause of your leaking ductwork to prevent it from happening again. Common causes of ductwork leaks include:
- Age: As your system nears the end of its lifespan, wear and tear causes the ducts to loosen and seals to break. While there are some steps you can take to prevent this, it’s not unusual for a leak to happen eventually.
- Loose connections: Damage, wear, and age can cause the connections of your ductwork to detach or come loose. Even a slightly loose connection can allow air to escape.
- Broken seals: To prevent air loss, a specialized sealant or metal tape should surround each duct connection. If the seals break, air will escape from the system.
- Rodents: If mice, rats, squirrels, or other small animals get into your ductwork, they can move around, causing the seals to break or connections to loosen.
Preventing and Reducing Ductwork Leakage
The best way to prevent ductwork leakage is to schedule an annual inspection by a certified technician. During the inspection, they’ll thoroughly assess and tune up your ductwork to check for proper function. If they detect loosening connections, broken seals, or any minor leaks, they can repair them before they progress.
Along with regular inspections, it’s essential to have your ducts cleaned at least once every three to five years. If dirt and debris build up in your ducts, they can wear down and loosen the connections. Professional duct cleaning removes contaminants from your system to improve air quality and prevent leakage.
When to Consider Ductwork Replacement
Ductwork has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, after which it’s best to replace it to prevent costly repairs or breakdowns. However, if your ducts are constantly in need of repair or display any of the following signs, they may require replacement sooner:
- Varying temperatures throughout your home
- Poor indoor air quality
- Rising utility bills
- Foul odors coming from your vents
- Pest infestations
If you notice the above signs, contact an HVAC technician as soon as possible. They’ll inspect your ductwork to determine if repair or replacement is the best solution.
Get Expert Help for Leaky Air Ducts
If signs indicate a leak in your duct system, contact a duct leakage expert. A technician will arrive at your home with the tools and equipment to identify leaks in your system. They’ll discuss the best course of action with you, considering your budget and unique needs. If the damage is minor or your ductwork is relatively new, they’ll quickly repair the leak using sealing techniques. If your ductwork is nearing the end of its lifespan or the repairs are extensive, they may suggest a complete replacement.
It’s important to contact a technician as soon as you suspect a leak in your ductwork. Ignoring a leak can result in skyrocketing energy bills, poor home comfort, and extensive damage to your system. With professional help, your system will be back in working order before you know it.
Call Calvey Heating and Air for Duct Repair!
If you suspect a duct leak in your home, contact our team at Calvey Heating and Air. We offer comprehensive ductwork solutions in San Jose and surrounding areas. We’ll inspect your ducts with a special camera to quickly identify leaks and stop them in their tracks. Call us or book online to schedule your appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I inspect insulated vents for leaks?
When insulation covers your ductwork, the metal vents are often challenging to reach, even if visible in a basement. You may have an air leak in your ducts that you’ll never notice since the insulation conceals it. To check for air leaks, you’ll need to remove the insulation to access the metal vents. This can be a difficult job and is often best left to a professional. Contact our team, and we’ll dispatch a technician to your San Jose home as soon as possible.
How do you check for leaks in the ductwork?
We used advanced techniques and specialized tools to check for leaks in your ductwork. We measure air pressure and air loss, and use these readings to determine the system’s performance and identify if air leaks through the ducts in your California home.