Signs That Your Ductwork May Be Leaking

Signs That Your Ductwork May Be Leaking

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable, energy-efficient home, your HVAC system plays a critical role—but it’s not just the furnace or air conditioner that matters. The condition that your ductwork is in is every bit as important. If your ducts are not properly sealed and insulated, you could be losing a significant portion of your heated or cooled air before it ever reaches your living spaces. In fact, many homeowners are unaware of how much conditioned air is wasted due to leaky ductwork. In this post, we’ll explore why sealing your ducts is essential, how to spot potential leaks, and when to call in a reliable HVAC company in Knoxville, TN, for help.

Why Is Properly Sealed Ductwork Essential?

Well-sealed and insulated HVAC ducts help maintain steady airflow, promote even temperatures in every room, and support cleaner, healthier indoor air. However, if your ducts are leaky or lack insulation, the airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), can be significantly compromised. This not only reduces comfort and system efficiency but may also contribute to indoor air quality problems. According to ENERGY STAR®, typical households may lose between 20% and 30% of their heated or cooled air because of poorly installed ducts, loose connections, leaks, or gaps in the ductwork.

Signs of Leaky Ductwork

So, now that we have established why it is important to have ductwork that is properly sealed and insulated, the next step is knowing how to tell if your air ducts are leaking, so you can contact your local HVAC company in Knoxville, TN. These telltale signs could point to a ductwork issue:

  • High Utility Bills Year Round - If you are taking steps to try and conserve energy, and you are still having unusually high utility bills throughout the year, then it could be a sign that air is leaking from your ductwork.
  • There Are Hot & Cold Spots in Certain Rooms - Is there a room in your home that always seems to be a few degrees hotter or colder than the rest of the house? Several possibilities may be causing this phenomenon, including clogged, leaky, or disconnected air ducts. Your local HVAC company in Knoxville, TN, can examine your ductwork and determine where the issue lies.
  • Excessive Amounts of Dust - If you're constantly battling dust buildup despite regular cleaning, the culprit could be leaky ductwork. Holes, gaps, or disconnected sections in your HVAC system can cause the return air to draw in dust and debris from unconditioned spaces like your attic, crawl space, or basement. Dust-covered return vents are often a telltale sign. A trusted HVAC company in Knoxville, TN, can inspect your ductwork to identify and fix these hidden issues, improving both air quality and system efficiency.

Checking Your Ductwork For Leaks

If you suspect that you may have leaky ductwork, but you want to confirm your suspicions before getting in touch with a local HVAC company in Knoxville, TN, you can perform a visual inspection of your exposed ductwork. Look for holes, cracks, or gaps in the ductwork, especially at connecting points, since these are the most troublesome spots. If the cracks are large enough, you can feel air escaping. It is also a good idea to check the connections at all vents and registers to ensure they are properly sealed. If your ductwork is not visible because it lies in the walls or ceilings of your property, you will need to work with an HVAC company in Knoxville, TN, to find any leaks.

What Do I Need To Do?

Once it has been established that you are in fact dealing with leaky ductwork there are three possible solutions to the problem: duct sealing, repair, or replacement. Sealing the ducts with masking solution or metal tape is usually the first step for visible cracks on your exposed ductwork. If the ductwork is not exposed, an HVAC company in Knoxville can seal the damage using Aeroseal. If the damage is more extensive and the ductwork has some deterioration, it may be better to repair the ductwork by replacing the damaged sections with new ductwork. In the worst cases, where the ductwork is heavily deteriorated, it may be necessary to opt for a complete replacement.

Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork doesn’t just reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency—it also impacts your comfort and indoor air quality. If you’ve noticed signs like high energy bills, uneven room temperatures, or excessive dust, your ductwork could be the problem. While a quick visual inspection may help uncover obvious issues, hidden leaks often require professional tools and expertise to diagnose and fix. That’s where a trusted HVAC company in Knoxville, TN, comes in. Whether your ducts need sealing, repair, or full replacement, addressing the issue promptly can lead to better performance, lower utility bills, and a healthier indoor environment.

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Gent Heating and Cooling provide heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial clients in Knoxville, Knox County, and the surrounding East Tennessee area. Over 20 Years experience. Customer Service is Our Top Priority. We strive to be on time, provide accurate estimates, and have most replacement products on our service vehicles.

Call 865-213-3818 or email office@genthvac.com

www.gentheatandcool.com

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