Whether it’s the hottest day of summer or the coldest night of winter, your air ducts are meant to keep your home comfortable. However, between 20% and 30% of your air is lost when the ducts aren’t sealed properly, making HVAC repairs necessary. Knowing the signs of leaks will save you money and ensure your home remains as warm or cool as you want it to be. 

When Should You Reseal Your Air Ducts?

1. When There Are Leaks 

Leaks are difficult to detect, especially if your ducts are in hard to reach locations, like the attic, the crawlspace, the garage. However, if you suspect a leak, investigate the air returns and vents. If you can see cracks or spaces in the ductwork, you’ll need an HVAC repair contractor. 

Air duct tears aren't always visible, but you may hear a whistling sound when the system is running, which indicates leaking.    

2. When Rooms Become Uncomfortable

While unsealed ducts decrease airflow, they’re still cooling or heating your home—just less efficiently. In many cases, they’re also sending dirty air into your home. 

Dust and dirt that have collected around your ductwork can make it through the cracks and the vents. This not only compromises your air quality but also, potentially, your health.

If you notice your home has become dusty, or that your allergies are suddenly returning, you should reach out to an HVAC professional.

3. When There’s Uneven Heating & Cooling 

When there are tears and leaks in the ducts, you’ll notice hotspots in sections of rooms where the system isn’t heating or cooling evenly. Sometimes, you’ll feel cold in one room and hot in another. The rooms furthest away from the system will have the least amount of airflow and will be the most affected. 

4. When Your Energy Bills Increase

Holes and cracks in your air ducts will cause your HVAC system to work harder to cool or heat your home. This leads to increased energy consumption, which not only affects your energy bills but also puts stress on the system. To ensure your system and ducts are efficient and functional, have them inspected at least once a year.

Resealing your air ducts will improve your home’s air quality and keep your utility bills low. When it’s time to reseal, reach out to Glastonbury Burner & Boiler. For nearly 30 years, Connecticut residents have relied on them for their HVAC repair needs. Their technicians stay updated on the latest technology used in the field and they make themselves available 24/7 in case of emergencies. For more information on their preventative maintenance plan, visit their website. To schedule an appointment, call (860) 659-4120.