Leaky ductwork can be a major source of energy loss in a home. According to ENERGY STAR, about 20-30% of the air that moves through the ducts in a typical home is lost through leaks, holes, and poor connections.
Leaky ducts can make it impossible to keep your Colorado home comfortable and drive up your energy costs, so if you think your ducts may have air leaks, don’t hesitate to have them tested and sealed! Duct sealing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your home’s comfort, minimize energy waste, and reduce your heating and cooling bills.
Signs You Need to Test Your HVAC Ducts for Leaks
Poorly performing ducts can be a major cause of discomfort and inefficiency in your home. But how do you know whether you need to check your air ducts for leaks? Some of the most common signs include:
- High heating and cooling costs
- Rooms that are difficult to keep warm or cool enough
- Stuffy rooms that never feel comfortable
- Visible bends or kinks in ductwork
DIY Duct Leakage Testing
Professional duct blasting is the best and most efficient way to find leaks in your ductwork. But there are steps you can take on your own to identify leaks before calling a professional.
To test your HVAC ducts for leaks, try one of these methods:
- Visual inspection: Look for any obvious holes and tears in your ducts, and keep an eye out for duct tape, which is a sign that leaky ducts have been incorrectly patched up in the past and may be leaking again. Bent and kinked ductwork can also indicate leaks.
- Feel for air leaks: With your HVAC system running, hold your hand up to your ductwork and move it slowly along, paying special attention to the connections between different sections of ductwork. If you feel air coming out at any point, there is probably a leak.
- Smoke test: Light a candle or an incense stick and carry it along your ducts. If the flame or smoke wavers, inspect the section for leaks.
If you find any obvious or suspected duct leaks, mark the section where the leak is located so that a professional can confirm your findings and seal the leak.
Professional Duct Blasting
If you’ve tried a few DIY duct leakage tests and found leaks in your air ducts, the next step is to schedule a professional duct inspection and leakage test.
At e3 Power, we use a blower fan to pressurize or depressurize your ducts. We’ll measure the amount of duct leakage that’s occurring and pinpoint the specific locations by running theatrical fog through the duct system. Once these areas have been identified they can be properly sealed.
How Much Does It Cost to Check Air Ducts for Leaks?
Checking your air ducts for leaks is a relatively affordable project that can pay off big time in the form of lower energy bills. Most DIY duct leakage testing methods can be performed for free at home. Professional duct blasting can vary depending on where you live, how big your home is, and similar factors. At e3 Power, our individual duct leakage testing services start at $275 and $250 per each multiple system.
