What Causes Air Leaks In Your Ductwork?

Does your AC struggle to keep your home cool in the summer? Are certain rooms in your home always hot no matter how long your AC runs? Or maybe your energy bill is just higher than usual and you can’t figure out why. Many homeowners experience these issues and often, leaky ductwork is the culprit.

Leaks in your ductwork can increase your energy costs due to an inefficient HVAC system. If you’re having problems with leaky ducts in your home, there are a few different causes that might need to be addressed, according to a blog by Superior Air Duct Cleaning.

Deteriorating Ductwork

Leaks in your ductwork may develop due to normal wear and tear. Over time, the ductwork segments that fit together (particularly at elbows and joints) can become loose or may even detach entirely. The caulk or other sealing materials may also begin to crack with age, which can cause leaks.

Old Ductwork

Like most things in life, even ductwork can’t completely withstand the effects of age. As ductwork gets older, the pull of gravity can cause seals to break and ductwork to loosen at the seams. Although an HVAC professional can add supports to your ducts to help prevent this, leaks in your ductwork are likely to develop with age.

Variances In Pressure

The air pressure in your house may be out of balance, either pulling air in or forcing it out of your home. If the rooms inside your home develop pressure differences, air may begin to leak from your ductwork. This can result in higher energy bills and less efficient heating and cooling.

Animals Inside Ductwork

Small animals that make their way into your home, such as mice, squirrels, or rats, can also cause leaks in your ductwork. As they make their way through your ducts, the weight of their bodies and movements can loosen duct segments or break the seals between ductwork connections.

Superior Air Duct Cleaning Can Help

Leaky ducts are more than just a minor inconvenience. They can reduce the lifespan of your HVAC system, result in higher energy bills, and decrease the air quality inside your home. The experts Superior Air Duct Cleaning can help you maintain the overall health of your ductwork with regular duct cleaning service. Contact us today for more details or to schedule your service.