UBCNews - Business - Common Signs Your HVAC Ducts Are Leaking Air And Costing You Big

Episode Date: January 27, 2026

Here's something that might surprise you - a typical home can lose between twenty and thirty percent of its conditioned air through leaky ducts. That's a huge chunk of energy just disappearing into your walls and attic. Engle Services City: Sylacauga Address: 40300 U.S. 280 Website: https://engleservicesheatingandair.com/

Here's something that might surprise you. A typical home can lose between 20 and 30% of its conditioned air through leaky ducks. That's a huge chunk of energy just disappearing into your walls and attic. Right. And most homeowners have no idea it's even happening. I mean, you're paying to heat or cool air that never actually makes it to your living spaces. So for everyone listening, how can you tell if your ducks are leaking? What are the telltale signs? Well, there are a few red flags.

First off, if you're seeing unusually high utility bills in summer or winter, without any rate increase, that's often your first clue. Another big one is inconsistent temperatures. You know, one room is freezing while another is sweltering. Mm-hmm. That makes sense. Exactly. And here's one people don't always connect. Excessive dust.

If you're constantly battling dust buildup, leaky return ducts might be pulling. in dust from your basement, attic, or crawl spaces. Oh, wow. I never would have thought dust was related to ductwork. So what can homeowners actually do themselves to check for leaks? There are a few DIY methods that work pretty well. Start with a visual inspection of any exposed duct work. Look for obvious holes or gaps, especially at connection points.

Those spots where ducks meet are common trouble areas. Makes sense. What else? Turn your HVAC system on high. and feel around the ductwork with your hand. For larger leaks, you'll actually feel hot or cold air escaping. Also check your vents and registers to make sure they're well sealed. I like that. Simple and straightforward. Are there any other tricks?

Yeah, there's the smoke test. Grab an incense stick or smoke pencil, hold it near your ductwork seams, and watch what happens. If the smoke wavers or gets drawn into the duct, you've found a leak. I actually did this in my own basement last year and discovered three problem spots I had no idea about. That's clever. Now, if someone finds these leaks, why does it really matter? Besides the obvious energy waste? Great question. Beyond your wallet, though, for an average household, that 20% air loss can add $2 to $300 to your annual energy bills,

there are three bigger concerns. Energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and system lifespan. Walk me through those. Sure. Leaky ducks reduce airflow velocity and volume, so your HVAC system has to work harder and longer to reach the temperature you want. That extra strain shortens the system's life. An indoor air quality? Leaky return ducks can pull in allergens, mold spores, even pollutants from unconditioned spaces.

So it's actually a health concern too. Definitely. In some cases, duck leakage can even cause combustion appliances like water heaters to backdraft, potentially leading to carbon monoxide issues. That point about health and safety concerns sets up our next piece, professional solutions. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. When your home comfort is on the line,

you need experts who understand the full picture. Engel Services provides heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing services across central Alabama, including Birmingham and surrounding communities. Their technicians offer prompt emergency, response, in-home assessments, and expert repairs that meet industry standards. Get professional duct repairs and assessments with Ingalls Services HeatingInair.com and Breathe Easy. Picking up on those health and safety concerns, how do you know when it's time to stop the

DIY approach and call a professional? If you've identified leaks in hard-to-reach areas, like inside walls or above ceilings, that's when you want to bring in a pro. Also, professionals use specialized equipment like duck leakage testers in conjunction with blower doors to get precise measurements you can't do yourself. And I've heard that duct tape isn't actually the solution, despite the name, right? Ha, exactly. Duck tape degrades over time and isn't a long-lasting fix. Mastic sealant or foil tape designed for HVAC applications are much more durable. But here's the thing. Older systems were often sealed with cloth duct tape, which is why so many homes have leakages, issues now.

I see, go on. Yeah, so that's why professional sealing can make such a difference. Methods like aeroseel are really impressive. They pump an aerosol seal into the duct system that seals even tiny holes from the inside. Those results can last for decades with proper maintenance. Now that's a long-term solution. It is, and consider this. A study found that sealing ducks in conditioned spaces saved up to 16% of energy and reduced

overall home envelope leakage by over 11%. Those are real measurable improvements. In other words, proper duct sealing doesn't just save energy. It makes your whole home more efficient. That's substantial. Are there situations where you'd need to replace the duct work entirely rather than seal it? Yes, if the duck system is improperly sized for your HVAC system or is badly deteriorated beyond repair, replacement might be necessary. Also, if your foundation has settled and shifted the ducks that can create damage at seams and gaps that are tough to fix. So we've established that leaky ducks affect your comfort, your health, and your wallet. Have you ever wondered how much difference it could make in your own home? The signs are often right

there, those whistling or hissing noises when your system runs, the rooms that never quite feel right. Exactly. And the leaks near your furnace or air handler are often the worst because of the higher pressure differences in those areas. That's where you lose the most conditioned air. So to everyone listening, start with that visual inspection, try the smoke test, and if you find issues or want peace of mind, don't hesitate to bring in a professional. This is one of those home maintenance tasks that really pays for itself. Absolutely. Your HVX system is a major investment, and making sure the ductwork is sealed properly helps it run efficiently for years to come. Great advice. so much for breaking this down today.

My pleasure. Happy to help.