Before warm or cool air moves into your home from the heating or air conditioning system, it first traverses through a set of ducts that should provide a clear and efficient pathway through which air can travel—in theory. Unfortunately, these ducts aren’t always designed as well as they could be. Sometimes, installation flaws account for air leaks or allow heat to escape or enter the ducts undesirably. But a duct system may also develop leaks over time due to the pressure of the air it contains every day.
Now, don’t think that this is a rare occurrence that only happens in some households. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most duct systems have major or minor leaks and flaws that account for an estimated 30% heating and cooling loss in the typical home. Any duct system can run into trouble over time, and it’s actually likely that yours is causing some issues of which you are unaware. Thankfully, you can schedule duct testing with a trained professional who can determine whether there are weak points in your ducts, the exact location of leaks, and what should be done about it.
When ducts leak air, it affects multiple areas of your home and your daily life. For one, a leaky duct system keeps you less comfortable. There are likely to be hot and cold spots around the home and your HVAC system will take longer to get the entire home to the right temperature. You’re less likely to notice the difference if the leak has progressed slowly over time (or if it’s always been there), but you may be spending hundreds more on heating and air conditioning every year than you would without any leaks at all. Furthermore, your HVAC system is working way harder than it should have to, which could mean that parts of your HVAC system will fail too soon if your duct system doesn’t receive attention.
Duct testing includes a thorough examination of your ductwork. Testing may include high-tech viewing and recording equipment, air pressure tests, and possibly a look at your HVAC equipment to determine how your ductwork may contribute to irregularities. Experts will then recommend services to correct the problem areas, including duct sealing, repairs, or even a bit of design work.
Call Ierna’s Heating & Cooling today to learn more about the advantages of choosing a NATE-certified team for duct testing in Tampa.