Your HVAC system is complex and does a lot for your home. It has several key components that all work together to supply your Florida home with the cool air you crave after being out and about on a hot summer’s day. It keeps the persistent heat and humidity at bay, prevents mold, makes it easier to fall asleep at night, and much more. So, when one of your system’s key components isn’t in tip-top shape, your whole system can be affected — which is especially true for your air ducts. But, what role do your air ducts play in cooling your home? How can you tell if they aren’t working properly? And, if you have an air duct leak, what signs do you need to look for?
How do air ducts work?
Your HVAC system pulls in air from its surroundings and cools or heats it, depending on how you’ve programmed your thermostat. Air ducts are an essential component of your HVAC system that transport air through your supply vents to cool or heat various parts of your home.
Are my air ducts leaking?
When your air ducts are in optimal condition, you enjoy many benefits — reasonable energy bills, a comfortable home, safe indoor air quality, and more. But, if your air ducts are leaking, those benefits may be difficult or nearly impossible to attain. Below are three of the telltale signs your air ducts are leaking.
The 3 Most Common Signs of An Air Duct Leak
1. High Energy Bills
While several factors can contribute to high energy bills, you may want to take a closer look at your ductwork. According to Energy Star, leaking air ducts can cause homes to lose anywhere from 20 to 30 percent of air. And, lost air means lost efficiency — which makes your air conditioning work harder to cool your home. An AC that’s working harder than it should inevitably demands more money, leading to skyrocketed energy bills.
2. Dust
Outdated, collapsed, broken, and leaking air ducts can collect debris and push them into your home, causing excessive dust. While a bit of dust is typical, excessive dust could be a sign of an air duct leak.
3. Uncomfortable Home
How comfortable does your home feel? Does it feel humid? Are some rooms warmer than others? While uneven cooling and heating can be attributed to a few different causes, don’t forget to take your ductwork into consideration. Air escaping from leaks in your ductwork makes it challenging for your AC to effectively cool your home — resulting in stuffiness and some rooms feeling warmer than others.
Related: 6 Reasons One Room Is Always Hotter Than the Rest of the House
Air Duct Sealing
Ductwork leaks happen over time — particularly when ducts are unmaintained or outdated. Because you can’t spot these leaks easily, the best way to determine if there are leaks is by looking for the common signs mentioned above. If you have an air duct leak, air duct sealing is a viable solution. Professional HVAC technicians can easily seal up your air ducts and restore your home’s comfort.
Air Duct Maintenance
Air duct maintenance is an important part of ensuring the efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC system for the years to come. When maintenance is neglected, air ducts can suffer costly problems later on, including leaks, mold growth, wasted energy, and more. Scheduling regular AC maintenance helps ensure all components of your HVAC system remain in optimal condition — which reduces the likelihood of costly repairs and critical system issues later on.
Related: 5 Signs You Should Replace Your Ductwork
AC Service in South Florida
If you need AC service, Sansone is here to help. South Florida homeowners and businesses can always rely on us to provide fast and efficient AC service. Don’t spend another minute uncomfortable in your own home or business today. Contact us today or conveniently schedule an appointment online to get started.
Broward: (954) 800-2858
Palm Beach: (561) 701-8274
St. Lucie: (772) 879-5656