If your furnace is the heart of your heating system, your ductwork is the network of veins and arteries, carrying heated air around your home. Although it is likely to be hidden in your ceiling, walls, and floor, your ducts traverse your home to provide an efficient, clear path for heated or cooled air to move throughout your home. Unfortunately, ductwork isn’t always designed and installed as well as it could be. Installation flaws, damage or wear and tear can mean that leaks develop, allowing heat to escape or debris to enter the ducts. This should highlight the importance of duct testing.
The Extent of the Problem:
You may be thinking to yourself, that you don’t need to worry about your ducts. After all, you take care to maintain your home, and this kind of issue must be quite rare. In fact, the opposite is true. According to the Department of Energy, minor or major leaks are present in most duct systems. This type of flaw accounts for approximately 30% of cooling and heating loss in the average home. Any ductwork can develop issues over time, and in most cases, homeowners remain blissfully unaware. Fortunately, professional duct testing can determine if there are any weak points or leaks in your system and what can be done to correct it.
Professional Duct Testing:
While you may wonder if you can test your ducts by yourself, this is not advisable. Although you may be able to see if there are any large holes or obvious damage, you cannot simply stick duct tape to repair it. Any holes or leaks need to be properly repaired to avoid compromising the efficiency and performance of your system.
Additionally, professional HVAC specialists have the tools and knowledge to test the air pressure in your ductwork to determine if there are any leaks. They can then trace the leaks and ensure that they are properly repaired.
The Importance of Prompt Repair:
When a duct leaks air, it can affect numerous areas of your home. The most obvious effect is that a leaking duct system will be unable to keep your home feeling comfortable. You are likely to experience cold or hot spots, making certain areas of the home feel unpleasant. Additionally, you may find that your HVAC system takes longer to bring your home to your desired temperature. You are not likely to notice this drop in performance if the leak has been progressing slowly over time, but your heating bills may have been gradually increasing for months or even years without you realizing why.
When your ducts are leaking, your HVAC system will be forced to work far harder than necessary, which increases wear and tear, and could compromise the lifespan of your equipment. It also increases the likelihood that your HVAC system will suffer a breakdown, particularly during periods of heavy use.
Duct testing involves a thorough assessment of your system. The technician may use recording equipment, high tech viewing tools, and air pressure tests to check for any irregularities.