What You Need to Know About Duct Leakage

What Can You Do?

Here are some things to consider for making sure your home’s ductwork is in working order.

• Don’t Skip HVAC Maintenance
• Change your furnace or cooling system’s filter every time you upgrade your duct system or every three months, whichever one comes sooner. Filters clogged with dust and dirt can compromise indoor air quality, which can aggravate allergies. Higher-quality filters can boost energy efficiency and help you save on bills.
• Show Your Air Ducts Some TLC
• Straighten out any kinks, tangles, or crushed areas in your ductwork. Duct leaks occur most commonly in unconditioned spaces where ducts are exposed, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Seal air leaks and connection gaps with duct tape or mastic tape, and have professionals repair any damaged or disconnected ducts. Also ensure that all registers and grills are sealed flush and tightly to the ducts, and move furniture away from vents to ensure conditioned air can circulate properly. If you notice an especially damaged or leaking duct, or notice water dripping from ductwork in the basement, attic, or crawl space areas, call a professional ASAP for duct cleaning services. We’ll determine the source of the leak and seal the broken ductwork to ensure that your conditioned or hot air can keep you comfortable.
• Schedule an Assessment 
• The common signs of leaking ducts aren’t hard to catch, but the best way to eliminate all leaks in your ductwork is by hiring experts. Have an HVAC technician visually inspect and physically test your entire system, from the lowest level of your home up to the attic. We will also test for backdrafting with a combustion safety test. It’s common for systems to have air return ducts that are too small for the square footage of the home, so remember to ask your contractor to determine if your ductwork system’s supply and return air balance is adequate. Finally, we’ll check your home’s airflow after duct sealing is completed to ensure that all leaks have been eliminated.
• Invest in Duct Sealing
• Duct tape and proper HVAC maintenance can go a long way, but the most cost-effective way to keep conditioned air inside your home where it belongs is by sealing ducts professionally with the help of ductwork experts. Our experts will first clean your ducts and use equipment to create positive pressure. Then, we’ll use Aeroseal (a sophisticated aerosol sealant) to seal each duct, eliminating any areas where air can leak out (or dust, dirt, and dander can leak in). Aeroseal not only protects your home against temperature inefficiency, but also keeps your indoor air healthier by sealing out contaminants.