Leaking Ductwork and Air Quality

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.