Hidden from view and largely ignored, ductwork leakage is a common problem in many homes. Loose ducts drive up energy costs and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Unless their routinely assessed, the loose ducts in your home could be causing:
- Higher energy bills. When ducts leak, the air that blows through them escapes before it reaches the registers. As a consequence, rooms that the ducts supply won’t be as comfortable. Many people adjust the thermostat to compensate for the air leakage, which drives up heating and cooling costs.
- Dusty air. Dust and dirt from the areas through which your ducts run can enter the ducts and circulate throughout your home. The particulates could include insulation fibers, pet dander, waste from insects and rodents, or pollen.
- Unsafe air. Homes that have vented gas appliances and loose ductwork may have higher carbon monoxide (CO) levels indoors. The leaks can siphon the exhaust fumes from a gas furnace, dryer, or water heater into the ducts. The levels may not be high enough to cause asphyxiation, but long-term exposure to CO harms people
with heart conditions, unborn fetuses, infants and pregnant women. - Infestations of insects and vermin. Ducts provide comfortable environments year-round for pests. Both insects and mice can crawl through small, even miniscule, cracks and gaps.
What Causes Leaks
Leaks can occur at any time from:
- Ducts that are too small have more air pressure than they can handle and will eventually split or loosen.
- Previous repairs were made with duct tape.
- Registers are covered accidentally or deliberately in an effort to save energy.
Duct Inspections
An HVAC contractor can inspect and test the ducts for leakage and pinpoint the problem areas. They use permanent adhesives and tapes to seal larger leaks, or inject duct sealers that fill all the holes and cracks.
Tight ductwork leads to a healthier home and lower energy bills. To learn more about duct inspection and sealing, contact Elite Air, providing trusted HVAC services for homeowners in Hamilton and central New Jersey.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Trenton, New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about TOPIC and other HVAC topics or give us a call at (609) 205-3813.
