Leaky Ductwork Wasting Energy

Understanding the Problem

According to the Department of Energy, typical duct systems lose 20-30% of the air moving through them due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. This means you're paying to heat or cool air that never reaches your rooms. Duct leaks are especially problematic when ducts run through unconditioned spaces like attics, crawlspaces, or garages. Sealing ducts is one of the most cost-effective HVAC improvements you can make.

Common Symptoms

You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:

• Higher than expected energy bills
• Some rooms are hard to heat or cool
• Excessive dust in the home
• Stuffy rooms with poor airflow
• HVAC system runs longer than expected
• Visible gaps or disconnections in ductwork

Possible Causes

This problem can be caused by several factors, listed from most to least likely:

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

Before calling a professional, try these safe troubleshooting steps:

1. 1

   Visually inspect accessible ductwork

2. 2

   Feel for air leaks around visible connections

3. 3

   Check for obvious disconnections

4. 4

   Look for dust streaks indicating leaks

5. 5

   Note which rooms have poor airflow

Prevention Tips

Help prevent this issue in the future with these maintenance tips:

• Have ducts professionally sealed
• Avoid storing items near ductwork
• Get duct leakage testing during HVAC service
• Consider duct sealing when replacing HVAC equipment