Duct leaks are one of the biggest contributors to energy loss in the home. Leaking ducts can be costly and often add strain to your heating and cooling system. Proper duct insulation can prevent leaks from occurring. Contact Duval County insulation installers if you need to address current or potential duct leaks. 

Signs Your Ducts are Leaking

If you are suspicious that your ducts are leaking but have not located a leak, it may be hidden. In fact, the majority of your ductwork is hidden behind walls and above ceilings. 

 

It is time to have your ducts inspected if you noticed any of the following signs:

  • Uneven heating and cooling
  • Increased energy bills
  • Your conditioned air seems dusty
  • Your HVAC unit constantly needs repair

 

If your ducts are leaking, the leaks need to be properly located before they can be repaired. Some of these signs can also indicate insufficient insulation rather than a leak. An experienced professional will be able to tell the difference. 

Types of Duct Leakage

Your ducts can leak at a variety of locations. While duct leaks may be hard to identify, you may be able to narrow down the source. 

Supply Leakage

When you have a supply air duct leak, less conditioned air will reach desired rooms. If the leak is severe enough, temperature changes across rooms will become noticeable. A common location for duct leaks is at duct joints. These joints would be the best place to initially check for drafts. 

Equipment Leakage

Your ducts are a part of your heating and cooling system. When your equipment is leaking, the signs of a leak may point you to your ducts. Equipment can leak, especially where it is connected to ductwork. Even small components of your HVAC unit can cause a significant leak. 

Return Leakage

Return air ducts leak in a different way. The unconditioned air from places within your home can be sucked into your HVAC system. This leaking will often result in much more dust and debris entering your ductwork, and eventually, your living areas. 

Solutions for Leaking Ducts

The sooner you address an air leak in your ducts, the better off your entire heating and cooling system will be. Prompt action can save you from increased energy bills and costly equipment repairs. 

Duct Repair

Sometimes small adjustments to your ducts can fix simple leaks. However, homeowners can often miss duct leaks because they fail to find and address any hidden leaks.

 

Duct repairs and replacements should always be left to a professional. Your ductwork needs proper ventilation, and improper repairs can cost you money and cause safety concerns. When a duct is leaking, the severity of the damage will determine whether the duct can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.  

Insulation Installation Near Me

Any time ducts are being used, temperature changes in surrounding areas can impact the conditioned air. Improper insulation is commonly mistaken for air leaks.

 

Duct encapsulation is a great option for homes with insufficient attic insulation or extreme attic temperatures. Duval County insulation installers can address both leak and heat transfer concerns.