If your home has centralized heating and cooling, the equipment relies on a network of ducts to transport and distribute conditioned air to each room. Unfortunately, many households have inefficient HVAC systems — not because of a malfunctioning furnace or cooling system but because of gaps and holes in their ductwork. Knowing how to check air ducts for leaks is the first step in resolving any problems your system has and maintaining HVAC efficiency.
At Cooper’s Plumbing & Air, we offer everything from airflow troubleshooting to air duct cleaning in Tallahassee, FL. Continue reading to learn our team’s air duct detection tips.
The Problem With Leaky Ductwork
Are leaky ducts a major problem or a minor inconvenience? Seepage might seem insignificant, but it’s a big issue, especially when you don’t resolve it quickly.
Up to a quarter of the air that a building loses is due to problems with its ductwork. As heated or cooled air flows through the ducts, loose joints, damaged seals, and cracks can cause air to escape.
The decrease in airflow causes the HVAC unit to overwork itself to maintain the temperature on the thermostat, which can result in premature wear and breakdowns. Inefficient heating and cooling and the overconsumption of energy may also cause sudden increases in monthly utility bills.
Typical Duct Leak Warning Signs
Recognizing the usual warning signs that your ductwork is leaking is a must so you’ll know when to take action. Symptoms include:
- Uneven heating and cooling throughout the house
- Whistling or whooshing sounds from air escaping the ducts whenever your HVAC system runs
- Difficulty getting comfortable, even if the furnace or cooling unit is on
- House is dustier than usual, but only in certain rooms
Ventilation Assessment: Top Tips To Consider
Learn how to check air ducts for leaks by following these four steps:
1. Conduct a Visual Air Duct Inspection
Ducts run throughout the building, so there may be some areas you can’t access. Yet, you may be able to see portions of the ductwork in your attic, garage, basement, or crawlspace. Once you locate the accessible sections, start a visual inspection.
You should carefully examine each part of the system to check for obvious holes and gaps, disconnections, and loose seals around the joints. Do you see duct tape anywhere? If so, it’s a clear indicator that someone attempted to patch a leak.
Unfortunately, that tape isn’t the best way to seal duct leaks — at least not long-term, as seepage is still possible. If you find old duct tape, replace it with backed taped or mastic for a more reliable fix.
2. Use Your Hand To Check for Hidden Leaks
After visually evaluating the ductwork, turn on your HVAC system and return to the ducts. Run your hand over the metal. You shouldn’t feel anything against your hand, so if you do, take note of the problem area and mark it with a grease pencil.
3. Utilize a Smoke Pencil
Sometimes you can see a leak better than you can feel it. Purchase a smoke pencil, turn it on, and hold it up to different joints and connections. If the vapor moves erratically, a leak is present.
If you don’t have access to a smoke pencil, you can do this same trick using a lit incense.
4. Test the Ductwork’s Efficiency
Lastly, you can assess your duct system’s efficiency with an open window test. To do it, crack open a window or door about two inches wide. Then, turn on your HVAC unit’s blower.
Did you feel a rush of wind coming indoors when the blower fan kicked on? If you did, it’s because your house has significant indoor air loss, which likely signifies leaky ducts.
How To Address Leaks in Your Ducts
Depending on the location and extent of your leak problem, you could use aluminum foil tape or mastic sealant to fix it. Yet, sealing air ducts long-term is something you should leave to the professionals. They have the duct sealing skills and commercial-grade equipment to pinpoint hidden leaks and permanently repair them.
Other Reasons Your Ducts Aren’t Working Efficiently
Now that you know how to check air ducts for leaks, you might wonder if other ductwork problems can cause inefficiencies with your heating, cooling, and ventilation system. The short answer is yes.
Dirty Ductwork
As your HVAC unit circulates air throughout the system, airborne particles like dust and dander will settle inside the ducts. The debris will build up over time, creating a blockage. Unfortunately, airflow restrictions are just as bad as air seepage; the furnace and cooling system will work overtime to accommodate the air loss or limitation.
In this case, the best thing to do is include air duct cleaning in your HVAC maintenance checklist. Local HVAC technicians, like those from Copper’s Plumbing & Air, have powerful vacuums and tools to rid ductwork of dirt and other buildups. The service will drastically improve your home’s indoor air quality and your HVAC system’s efficiency.
Lack of Insulation
It’s normal for ductwork to run through parts of a residence that don’t get heated or chilled, such as attics and basements. Unfortunately, the temperature differences between these spaces and the conditioned areas of the home can be drastic. It’s not uncommon for the temperature of the conditioned air flowing through the ducts to increase or decrease due to a lack of insulation around the structure.
Get in Touch With Our Experts for Prompt Air Duct Leakage Solutions
Knowing how to check air ducts for leaks is a great way to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. Take your HVAC maintenance a step further by contacting our experts at Cooper’s Plumbing & Air. As one of the top heating and cooling companies serving Tallahassee, Florida, with more than 20 years of industry experience, we can provide expert duct leakage detection services, ductwork sealing, and more.
It doesn’t matter if your home has uneven cooling or skyrocketing energy bills. We’ll get to the bottom of the situation and provide the best resolution. Call (866) 464-7132 today to request services!