In homes that rely on forced-air heating and cooling, the system’s ductwork is the vital pathway between the furnace or air conditioner and the inside of your house. All of the warm or cool air from your HVAC system travels through the extensive network of ducts before exiting through vents and registers, where it heats or cools your indoor environment.
Unfortunately, ductwork can also account for a significant loss of conditioned air, energy and money spent on your heating and cooling bills. If your ducts are leaking, as much as 40 percent of the air flowing through them can be lost. Leaky ductwork reduces overall indoor air quality. It can also be unsafe if the leak allows carbon monoxide or other harmful gases to be drawn back into your living areas. There are several symptoms of leaky or inefficient ducts, such as:
Ductwork efficiency can be dramatically improved, and utility costs lowered, by having your ducts professionally sealed. Your HVAC professional will inspect the entire length of your ductwork system for problems, damage and loose connections. He will also:
For more information on what to do if your ducts are leaking, or to schedule a professional duct sealing, contact us at Russell's Heating & Cooling. We have served the Hampton Roads area for more than 35 years. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about duct sealing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Russell’s Heating & Cooling services the Chesapeake, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today! Sealing Air Leaks image via Shutterstock