5 Duct Leak Prevention Tips

One of the fastest ways to lose money on your HVAC system is through leaky ductwork. Duct leaks are often hard to spot, which is why you often pay the price without even realizing it. To prevent your ducts from leaking, make sure you learn the signs, as well as several important duct leak prevention tips.

Signs that Your Ducts Are Leaking

Many HVAC system problems have the same signs. However, if you notice more than one of the following signs occurring, the problem is likely a duct leak.

• High Utility Bill
• Backdrafting
• Poor Indoor Air Quality
• Uneven Heating or Cooling
• Excessive Dust

How Can You Prevent Your Ducts from Leaking?

Knowing the signs is great, but how can you prevent duct leaks from forming in the first place? Proper duct maintenance takes a little time, but it’s worth it to keep that utility bill low. Apply these five duct leak prevention tips to save money and keep your furnace functioning.

1. Seal your ducts.

The first and most obvious way to prevent your ducts from leaking is to thoroughly insulate them. Sealing your ducts prevents air from both entering and escaping your vents. For instance, if you are trying to heat your home, the warm air is likely to escape from the ducts. On the other hand, if you are trying to cool your home, the warmer outside air is likely to get in. Both problems raise your utility bill and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. Schedule a professional duct sealing to avoid this expensive problem.

2. Remove debris and foreign objects.

Check your ducts for foreign matter such as dirt, gravel, and droppings from pests. Remove these items from your vents before moving to the next step.

3. Clean ducts gently.

Dirty ductwork not only presents heating and cooling problems, but it also reduces your indoor air quality. Dust, grime, and droppings from pests block airflow and create backpressure, causing your HVAC system to work harder. When these pollutants circulate through your home, it has a negative effect on your health. Allergies, respiratory infections, itchy eyes, and general discomfort indicate a need for cleaning your ducts.

4. Inspect ductwork seasonally.

You should inspect your ductwork every time the outside temperature changes drastically. Generally, you should take a look at your ducts before you turn on your air conditioner for the first time each year, as well as before you turn on your furnace for the first time. Look for holes, dents, leaks, pollutants, misshaping, or blockages. You should also examine your HVAC system as a whole to ensure there are no problems that could potentially lead to leaky ductwork.

5. Schedule professional HVAC inspections.

Professional inspections by licensed HVAC technicians ensure that you won’t pay the price for leaky ducts. HVAC professionals can locate small leaks and fix them before they become a major problem. Schedule a professional inspection at least once a year, or every time the season changes.

Call Indoor Air Quality Today!

Indoor Air Quality Inc. offers several financing options perfect for homeowners. We want to do what is best for you! If you have any further questions about HVAC financing, service agreements, or warranties, contact Indoor Air Quality today. We serve homeowners in Highlands Ranch and throughout the Denver Metro Area. Our highest priority is the comfort of your home.