Air leaks can compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system, leading to discomfort and higher electricity bills.
With summer here, you want your HVAC system to be in top shape so that it can keep your home cool and comfortable. In addition to replacing or cleaning the filters and doing a test run of the whole installation, you should also check if there are any air leaks that could compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system and affect the indoor air during the summer.
What Are the Signs of Air Leaks?
There are some signs that will warn you that you have air leaks in the air duct system. Observe how your air conditioning unit is behaving and how well it cools down the air. If the unit has been out of use during winter, turn it on for a day and see how it performs.
You Pay More than Usual for Electricity
Your HVAC system should consume as little energy as possible. It does that by keeping the temperature at a constant, ideal level. That way, the walls keep cool and it doesn’t have to make an extra effort to bring the air to the desired temperature. If your HVAC system is the cause of your high utility bills, then you can suspect an air leak, amongst other causes.
Cool and Hot Spots
If you have cool spots or hot spots around the house, it means that the air is not circulating well. It’s either a clog in the duct system or an air leak, causing the air to go in the attic or to stay mostly in one part of the house. Install thermometers in all your rooms and check if there are significant differences that cannot be explained by exterior walls, drapes, or other external factors.
You Dust More Often Than Usual
Sure, any housekeeping involves a little bit of dusting, but when you notice that your home seems invaded by dust particles, they might come from your attic through a leaky duct system.
What Can You Do to Locate the Leaks Precisely?
If you observe one or more of these signs above and you suspect an air leak, it’s time to investigate further. Get in touch with an experienced HVAC professional who can check your ductwork and make any needed repairs to ensure your system is running at peak performance.