How Can I Tell If My Ductwork Is Leaking?

Air duct leaks can quietly drain your comfort, energy efficiency, and air quality. Many homeowners don’t realize their HVAC system could be losing 20% to 30% of its heated or cooled air due to leaks in the ductwork. This leads to higher utility bills, uneven room temperatures, and more dust circulating in the home.

What Causes Duct Leaks in the First Place?

Ductwork can develop leaks due to age, poor installation, or damage. Common causes include:

• Disconnected joints where ducts pull apart over time
  
• Cracks or holes in older metal or flexible duct material
  
• Rodents or pests damaging ducts in crawl spaces or attics
  
• Shoddy installation with unsealed seams or improper insulation
  

If your ducts are hidden in walls, ceilings, or attics—as most are—you may not see these issues without a professional inspection.

Signs Your Ductwork May Be Leaking

1. Rooms Are Unevenly Heated or Cooled

If some rooms are always hotter or colder than others, leaky ducts could be to blame. Air escapes before it reaches the vents, leaving certain spaces under-conditioned.

2. High Energy Bills Without an Explanation

If your heating or cooling costs have jumped but you haven’t changed your usage, your HVAC system might be compensating for lost airflow. Sealing ducts can restore efficiency and lower costs.

3. Weak Airflow From Vents

When you hold your hand up to a vent and barely feel air coming out, a duct leak could be restricting pressure and airflow.

4. Excess Dust in the Home

Leaky ducts can pull in dust and debris from attics, basements, or crawl spaces and distribute it throughout your home, worsening allergies and indoor air quality.

5. HVAC Runs Constantly

If your system cycles more often than it should, or seems to be running all the time, it could be trying to compensate for lost air through leaks.

How to Confirm If You Have Leaky Ducts

Q: Can I check for duct leaks myself?

While you might spot disconnected or sagging ducts in accessible areas like attics or basements, most ductwork is hidden. Even visible ducts may not show obvious leaks.

A professional test, such as a duct blower test, is the most reliable way to find leaks. This pressurizes the duct system and identifies where air escapes, often using a computer-generated report.

Why Aeroseal Is the Best Solution for Hidden Duct Leaks

If your home has hidden or hard-to-access ductwork, sealing it manually isn’t practical. That’s where Aeroseal comes in.

Q: What is Aeroseal?

Aeroseal is a cutting-edge technology that seals duct leaks from the inside. We inject a fog of microscopic sealing particles into your duct system, which bind to the edges of leaks as air escapes—without coating the entire interior of the ducts.

Benefits of Aeroseal duct sealing:

• Seals leaks as small as pinholes and up to ⅝ inches wide
  
• Doesn’t require opening walls or ceilings
  
• Improves comfort, airflow, and HVAC efficiency
  
• Enhances indoor air quality by keeping out dust and allergens
  

Is Duct Sealing Worth It?

Absolutely. Sealing your ducts can:

• Cut your energy bills by 20% or more
  
• Make your HVAC system last longer by reducing wear
  
• Improve airflow and comfort in every room
  
• Reduce allergens and indoor air pollution
  

In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, duct sealing is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve HVAC performance in both new and existing homes.

FAQs About Leaky Ducts

How much air can a leaky duct system lose?

Up to 30% of your heated or cooled air can escape through duct leaks, especially in older or unsealed homes. That’s money and comfort literally vanishing.

Will sealing ducts help with dust and allergies?

Yes. Sealing prevents unfiltered air from entering the ducts through leaks in dirty or contaminated spaces like attics or crawl spaces.

Does sealing ducts really make a difference in comfort?

Yes. Once sealed, your HVAC system delivers more air to each room, reducing hot and cold spots significantly.

Reliable Duct Leak Detection and Sealing in Boston, MA

If you’re struggling with uneven temperatures, rising utility bills, or constant dust, your ductwork could be the hidden culprit. At Aspen Environmental, we specialize in finding and sealing duct leaks using both traditional methods and Aeroseal technology.

Call today to schedule a duct inspection or learn more about our sealing services. Restoring your home’s comfort and efficiency is easier than you think.