How To Find And Fix Air Duct Leaks
There are a lot of benefits to having a properly functioning HVAC unit, chief among them being that it helps keep your home comfortable year-round.
However, if your air ducts are leaking, you’re not getting the most out of your HVAC unit. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to find and fix air duct leaks.
Feel free to use the following tips if you’d like to learn how to find air duct leaks.
If you don’t feel comfortable dealing with air duct leaks in your home, you should contact a reputable HVAC company, like the team at Anderson Air.
What Causes Air Duct Leaks To Occur In The First Place?
There are a variety of factors that can cause air duct leaks. One of the most common is poor installation. If the ductwork is not installed correctly, it can create gaps and cracks that allow air to escape. Another common cause of air duct leaks is damage.
Over time, the ductwork can become damaged by physical forces, such as impact or wear and tear. This damage can create holes and cracks that allow air to escape. In some cases, air duct leaks are caused by faulty manufacturing. If the ductwork is not made to specifications, it can create gaps and cracks that allow air to escape.
Finally, air duct leaks can be caused by environmental factors, such as extreme heat or cold. If the temperature outside the ductwork is significantly different from the temperature inside the ductwork, it can create condensation, which can lead to the formation of ice dams. These ice dams can block the flow of air and cause pressure to build up inside the ductwork, eventually leading to a leak.
Air duct leaks can be a serious problem, but they can be prevented with proper installation, maintenance, and inspection.
How To Find Air Duct Leaks Like A Pro
Air duct leaks are serious issues; so they need to be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Use the following tips and tricks if you’d like to learn how to check for duct leaks and fix them like a professional:
Tip #1 — Look for Leaks
The first step in finding and fixing air duct leaks is to look for leaks. You may be able to see visible leaks or you may need to use a leak detection method such as a smoke pencil or a digital camera with an infrared lens.
Tip #2 — Measure the Leak
Once you have found a leak, you will need to measure it in order to determine the overall size of the hole. This will help you determine the best way to fix the leak.
Tip #3 — Choose a Repair Method
There are countless techniques that can be used to repair air duct leaks, including sealing the leak with mastic, tape, or putty; patching the leak with a metal patch; or replacing the entire section of ductwork.
Tip #4 — Clean the Area
Before you begin repairing the leak, you will need to clean the area around the leak. This will ensure that the repair material will adhere properly.
Tip #5 — Apply the Repair Material
Once the area is clean, you can apply the repair material of your choice. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Tip #6 — Allow the Repair to Dry
After you have applied the repair material, you will need to allow it to dry completely before using the air ducts again. Depending on the type of repair material used, this could take several hours or even days.
Tip #7 — Test for Leaks
After the repair has dried, you will need to test for leaks again to make sure that your repair was successful. You can use a smoke pencil or a digital camera with an infrared lens to do this.
Tip #8 — Monitor for Future Leaks
Even after you have successfully repaired an air duct leak, it is important to monitor for future leaks. Inspect your air ducts regularly and look for any signs of new leaks.
Optional Tip — Hire A Professional
If you are not comfortable inspecting or repairing your own ductwork, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. Many companies that specialize in heating and cooling systems offer duct leak repair services. Hiring a professional may cost more than doing it yourself, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that the job was done correctly.
How To Find And Fix Air Duct Leaks — Conclusion
If you don’t know how to find air duct leaks, it is best to call in a professional HVAC service to help you identify and address them.
Teaming up with a professional HVAC technician is always a wise decision; a professional technician will be able to inspect your duct work, determine where the leaks are, and make the necessary repairs. By fixing any air duct leaks in your home, you can improve your comfort level and save on energy costs.
