Turning a blind eye to leaky eye ducts can be expensive. Learn the signs to save money and keep your home more comfortable and cleaner!
After cooling or warming your home, your heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system must distribute the newly conditioned air throughout the ductwork.
A blower will force the conditioned air into the ductwork so that it can be expelled from the supply vents.
Most air ducts are made of a combination of steel and plastic, which allows them to flex. If punctured, they will leak.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) claims that the average home loses 20 to 30 percent of its conditioned air due to an air duct leak. By learning the signs of an air duct leak, you can diagnose this costly problem.
You Hear a Hissing or Humming Noise
You may hear a hissing or humming noise if your air ducts are leaking. Noises such as these are the result of pressurized air escaping out of the ductwork.
Air ducts are designed to be pressurized via static pressure. When a leak occurs, you may hear a hissing or humming noise originating from the source of the leak.
You Experience Higher Utility Costs
If your utility bills have suddenly increased, your air ducts may have sprung a leak. Higher utility costs are a telltale sign of a leak.
Air ducts typically run through the attic, or in some cases, the basement or crawlspace. Any conditioned air that leaks out of them won’t reach your home’s rooms. But, it will reach the attic, basement, or crawlspace.
As a result, you’ll have to run your HVAC system for a longer period to achieve a comfortable indoor temperature and this means an increase in your bill.
Lack of Airflow
You may experience a lack of airflow if your air ducts are leaking. The conditioned air coming out of the supply vents may feel weaker than it normally does.
While a bad blower could be to blame for airflow problems, a leak is a more likely cause. If your air ducts are leaking, you’ll inevitably experience airflow problems.
Increased Dust and Dirt
Ductwork leaks can even lead to increased dust and dirt. It’s not just the conditioned air that will leak out of the ductwork; airborne contaminants will leak out of it as well. As dust and dirt leak out of the ductwork, they’ll enter your home’s interior.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
