Aging, Deteriorating and Leaking Ductwork

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ductwork leakage is a significant problem that contributes to energy waste, reduced comfort, poor indoor air quality, and moisture problems in residential homes. Proper duct sealing alone can save 20%-30% on a home’s heating and cooling energy expenses.

Your air conditioner, heater and ductwork operate as a “closed” system. Your HVAC system creates and moves conditioned air (heated or cooled) and the ductwork is the highway that delivers the conditioned air around your home. When there are leaks in the return or supply ductwork it compromises the air your system has conditioned and reduces system performance and efficiency.

Hot and cold attics and year-round heating and cooling cause the paste, ties, tape and materials used in ductwork connections to expand and contract. If the connections are not periodically resealed, joints can disconnect, crack, separate and leak out conditioned air into spaces it should not go.

Over time, system vibration and turbulence can also cause separations where ducting attaches to wall and floor registers. Cracks can allow conditioned air into flow into wall cavities or under the floor and cause moisture and microbial growth. Ducts that leak into the attic area are also a serious problem and huge waste of energy.

Indications of Ductwork Issues:

1. Less comfort – Your homes comfort level is not meeting your expectations. Are there stuffy rooms, cold or hot areas, or big differences in temperatures in the same house? Leaking ducts definitely contribute to these issues.
2. Leaks cause a loss of pressurization in the system – Low air flow and quality. Air not circulating properly is not going through the filters and will contain particulates or be stagnant.
3. High utility bills – when conditioned air (either heated or cooled) being delivered to unconditioned areas (attic, between walls & floors etc.) causes your system to work harder, run longer and be much less efficient.
4. Dusty home – crushed, crimped and broken leaky duct work can pick up fine particles and distribute them throughout the home. Dust and particulates and introduced when the “Closed” system is has leaks. Clogged air filters due to excessive dust and particulates reduce air flow.

Reseal or replace to save energy and money

We recommend duct joint inspection and possibly resealing every 5 years and replacing runs that are damaged or display extensive deterioration.

If you have a comfort issue, it may not just be your HVAC system, have the ductwork that the system is connecting to inspected, especially if the home is 10 years or older.

Call today and schedule a proactive system maintenance and an inspection for your ductwork. (210) 944-TPRO