How Do I Repair Leaks in an HVAC Ductwork?
But over time, air ducts can develop leaks due to various factors, including damage from impact, animals or pests, inadequate installation, and more. These leaks can allow air to escape, which can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable drafts in your home. A professional air duct service Del City, OK might be necessary for a proper repair.
Duct Leakage and Its Symptoms
According to the data published by the U.S. Department of Energy, air ducts in the average American home leak about 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through them. This air leakage can cause several indoor problems that may eventually require air duct service Del City, OK from an HVAC technician, which include:
- Higher Energy Bills: If air is escaping from your ductwork, your furnace or air conditioner has to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, leading to higher energy bills.
- Drafts: Do you feel drafts near air vents when your heater or AC system is running? Leaks in air ducts can cause this problem.
- Uneven Heating and Cooling: If certain rooms are too hot or too cold, air leaks in the ductwork could be to blame.
- Dust: You may also see dust coming out of your vents since leaks allow dust and other contaminants into the air.
- Pests: If you have rodents or other pests in your home, they could be getting in through air leaks in your ductwork.
Other than these five symptoms, a leaky ductwork system may also produce strange smells or noises. Some homeowners have reported hearing whistling sounds near air vents. While it is possible to repair leaks yourself, it is often best to get air duct service Del City, OK from professional HVAC companies. They have the tools and experience to repair or replace air ducts properly and clean the ductwork to remove any contaminants that may have gotten in.
Can You Do a Visual Duct Leakage Test?
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends visually inspecting air ducts to check for leaks. It can be done by removing air duct covers and looking for gaps, cracks, or holes in the ductwork. Any sign of damage should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent air leakage.
Although, a visual inspection is not always enough to find all air leaks. The EPA also suggests using a smoke pencil or incense stick to test for air leaks. To do this, turn off all fans and heating and cooling systems and close all doors and windows. Place the smoke stick near an air vent and turn on the fan. You have a leak if you see smoke coming out of the air ducts.
It is important to note that this test should only be done with the assistance of a professional. If you do not feel comfortable performing a smoke test, it is best to get air duct service Del City, OK from an HVAC company.
How Are Duct Leaks Repaired?
Leaking air ducts can be repaired in several ways, depending on the severity of the damage. For small cracks and holes, duct mastic or metal tape can be used to seal the leak, while a complete replacement might be required for more severe damage.
In some cases, air ducts need to be cleaned before they can be repaired. This is especially true if the ductwork is infested with rodents or other pests. It involves using special brushes and vacuums to remove all dirt, dust, and debris from the air ducts. Once clean, they can be repaired or replaced as necessary.
Gober Heating & Air Conditioning Provides Quality Air Duct Repair & Replacement Services
If you have air ducts needing repair or replacement, the experts at Gober Heating & Air Conditioning can help. The team specializes in air duct service Del City, OK and can clean, repair, or replace your air ducts using high-quality parts. They also offer a variety of other HVAC services, including air conditioning repair and furnace installation.
To learn more about air duct services or to schedule a consultation, contact the HVAC experts at (405) 630-0601.