How Leaky Air Ducts Increase Your Energy Bills

When most people think about energy waste, they picture a drafty window or a finicky furnace. But the real thief of joy (and comfort) is probably one you’d never guess: leaky air ducts.

The good news? You can steal back your comfort if you know the common signs of a leaky air duct. Here’s how to spot them and what to do next.

The Role of Air Ducts

Your air ducts are nothing more than a delivery system for hot and cold air. But it’s an intricate system, and without proper connections and sealing, it’s not just comfort that goes out the window—it’s money.

Every gap, tear, or loose joint is like leaving a window cracked all year long. The result? Your furnace and air conditioning system have to work harder, run longer, and burn more energy just to maintain temperature settings.

How Leaky Air Ducts Affect System Efficiency

Inadequate HVAC duct sealing forces your system to make up for lost air. And when that happens, you can expect:

• Longer running times: Your system senses it hasn’t reached the set temperature, so it keeps running. That means higher energy consumption and a higher bill.
• Increased cycling: Because airflow is uneven, your system may cycle on and off more often—another energy drain.
• Increased wear and tear on your system: Blower fans work harder to push air through gaps, and compressors can overheat from extended operation. Over time, this extra workload can shorten your HVAC’s lifespan.

Leaky Air Ducts: How They Impact Indoor Air Quality

Beyond wasted energy and system strain, poor HVAC duct sealing also impacts air quality. Poorly sealed ducts leave the door wide open for unwanted guests—dust, pollen, even fumes from attics and garages.

That means the air you breathe isn’t just warmer or cooler than you’d like—it’s dirtier. This can be a major issue, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

Signs of Inadequate HVAC Duct Sealing

So, how do you spot a leaky air duct? Keep an eye out for the following signals:

• Uneven temperatures between rooms—some too hot, others too cold
• Higher energy bills with no clear explanation
• Dust buildup around vents or an uptick in allergy symptoms
• An HVAC system that never seems to stop running (and sounds like it’s complaining)

Preventing Leaky Air Ducts

The best offense is often a strong defence. Here’s how to spot issues and seal your air ducts:

• Schedule an inspection: Leaky air ducts are nearly impossible to spot without specialized tools like a duct blaster or pressure test. This is where Stephens comes into play. Our technicians can pinpoint issues you’d most likely never see. We can also recommend the best fix before minor problems become costly.
• Seal and insulate exposed ducts: Areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces are prime leak zones. Sealing joints with mastic or metal-backed tape (not the regular stuff) and adding insulation helps keep conditioned air inside where it belongs.
• Replace aging ductwork when needed: Sealing only goes so far. If your leaky air ducts are rusted, crushed, or falling apart at the seams, it’s time for a full replacement. New ductwork can dramatically improve airflow, comfort, and efficiency.

Leaky Air Ducts Don’t Stand a Chance Against Stephens

Whether you’ve noticed a sudden energy bill spike, your AC vents are dripping water, or you simply want to take preventative measures, Stephens Plumbing is here to help. With nearly 40 years of experience, there’s no HVAC or plumbing issue we haven’t seen—and solved. Don’t let HVAC duct sealing issues drain your wallet. Contact us today!