Is your AC working harder but not cooling your home like it used to? The culprit might not be your air conditioner itself it could be leaky air ducts. When your ductwork has cracks, holes, or loose connections, a significant amount of cooled air escapes before it even reaches your rooms. Let’s take a closer look at how leaky ducts can sabotage your AC’s performance and what you can do about it.
How Leaky Air Ducts Affect Your AC
1. Wasted Energy and Higher Bills
Your AC works hard to cool your home, but if your ducts are leaking, that cool air is escaping into your attic, crawl spaces, or walls instead of reaching your living areas. That means your system has to work overtime, using more energy and increasing your utility bills.
2. Uneven Cooling Throughout Your Home
Have you ever noticed that some rooms in your home feel cooler than others? Leaky ducts can cause airflow imbalances, meaning some areas receive plenty of cooled air while others barely get any. This results in uncomfortable temperature differences throughout your home.
3. Extra Wear and Tear on Your AC
When your AC has to run longer to compensate for lost air, it experiences more wear and tear. This can lead to frequent breakdowns and a shorter lifespan for your system. Fixing duct leaks can ease the strain on your AC, helping it last longer and run more efficiently.
4. Poor Indoor Air Quality
Leaky ducts don’t just let the air out they also let contaminants in. Dust, dirt, and even fumes from unconditioned spaces like attics or garages can enter your ductwork and circulate through your home. This can trigger allergies and respiratory issues for you and your family.
How to Tell If You Have Leaky Ducts
Wondering if your ducts are leaking? Here are some common signs:
- Higher-than-normal energy bills
- Hot and cold spots in your home
- Weak airflow from vents
- Excessive dust around your home
- A noisy HVAC system working harder than usual
What You Can Do About It
If you suspect leaky air ducts, here’s how you can address the problem:
- Inspect your ductwork for visible gaps, holes, or disconnected sections.
- Seal minor leaks using duct mastic or metal tape (avoid regular duct tape—it won’t hold up over time).
- Ensure proper insulation around ducts in unconditioned spaces like attics or basements.
- Schedule a professional inspection with Bell Brothers to get a thorough assessment and expert sealing for optimal performance.
The Bottom Line
Leaky ducts are one of the biggest hidden energy wasters in homes, but fixing them can lead to lower energy bills, better comfort, and improved AC efficiency. If you want to get the most out of your air conditioning system, it’s time to address your ductwork.
