The Elyria and Oberlin area’s continental climate means it’s not easy to control heating and cooling expenses around here. Ductwork leaks make it even harder. You may have heard that leaky ducts reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, but the problem goes beyond that.
In most homes, the air ducts run through unconditioned areas such as crawlspaces and the attic. Even without leaks, this reduces the ductwork’s efficiency. In winter, for example, warm air from your furnace will cool down as it runs through a duct in a cold crawlspace.
When a leak occurs, the problem worsens. The ducts actually lose conditioned air and draw in unconditioned air. Experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimate around 20 percent of the air in the average home’s ducts is lost through leaks, damage and loose connections. Ductwork joints, connections to vents, and the connection to the air handle are common spots for leaks.
That leaves you with three uncomfortable problems:
- Higher energy bills – If your ducts leak air, your heating and cooling bills will be higher than they should be.
- Poor air quality – Leaks in your ducts draw in dust, pollen, chemical fumes and other pollutants that linger in your crawlspaces, attic and garage. Worse yet, ductwork leaks can cause air pressure imbalances. When this happens, it creates the risk of harmful combustion fumes from your fuel-burning appliances, such as your gas furnace, being drawn into your ducts instead of being vented outdoors.
- Humidity problems – Leaks let humid air into the ducts. Too much and you’ll feel damp in winter, sticky in summer, and you could end up with mold in your house.
While you can visually inspect for ductwork leaks, you’ll get better results from a professional duct inspection. An HVAC technician will bring specialized equipment that can detect even small leaks. Your technician also will have pro-quality material to repair and seal those leaks.
If your ducts haven’t been checked for leaks in the last few years, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We help homeowners in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties stay comfortable, and save money, too.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductwork leaks and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area