One of the most common—and costly—issues affecting home comfort and energy efficiency is leaky ductwork. Most homes, especially those built 15 to 20 years ago or more, have duct systems that leak between 25–40% of the air they carry. That means a significant portion of the heated or cooled air you are paying for never actually reaches your living space.
Instead, that conditioned air escapes into unconditioned areas such as attics, basements, crawlspaces, or wall cavities. The result is wasted energy, higher utility bills, and uneven comfort throughout the home.
Where Duct Leaks Commonly Occur
Duct leakage is rarely visible because most ductwork is hidden behind walls, ceilings, or insulation. Leaks most often occur at:
- Duct joints and seams where sections connect
- Transitions between different duct sizes or materials
- Connections at vents, plenums, and air handlers
- Hidden areas in attics, basements, and crawlspaces
- Older duct systems that were never properly sealed during installation
Over time, vibration, temperature changes, aging materials, and poor installation practices all contribute to duct separation and air loss.
How Leaky Ducts Impact Your HVAC System
When air leaks out of the duct system, your HVAC equipment must work harder and run longer to maintain the desired temperature. This leads to:
- Increased energy consumption
- Higher heating and cooling bills
- Hot and cold spots throughout the home
- Reduced airflow at vents
- Increased wear and tear on HVAC equipment
- Shortened system lifespan
Even a high-efficiency HVAC system cannot perform properly if the ductwork delivering the air is compromised.
The Hidden Indoor Air Quality Consequences
Leaky ducts don’t just allow air to escape—they also pull unwanted air into the system. As air leaks out, ducts can draw in dust, insulation fibers, allergens, mold spores, and other pollutants from surrounding spaces. These contaminants are then circulated throughout your home, negatively impacting indoor air quality.
This is especially concerning for households with allergies, asthma, children, or elderly occupants.
Why Addressing Duct Leaks is Essential
Sealing duct leaks is one of the most effective ways to improve HVAC performance, comfort, and efficiency. Properly sealed ducts ensure that the air your system produces is delivered where it belongs—into your living spaces—without waste.
Addressing duct leakage helps homeowners reduce energy costs, improve comfort, protect HVAC equipment, and create a healthier indoor environment.
The Solution Starts with Professional Duct Sealing
At Advanced Air Duct Cleaning, we specialize in identifying and addressing duct leakage using proven solutions designed to restore system efficiency and performance. Sealing your ductwork is a critical step in maximizing comfort and getting the most value from your HVAC system. Contact us today!