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If your home never seems to feel quite comfortable—certain rooms are too hot, others too cold—and your energy bills are creeping higher than expected, you might be dealing with a common but often hidden issue: leaking ductwork. At Premier, we regularly help homeowners uncover these hidden leaks to restore comfort and efficiency with duct repair in Ripley, KY.
But many people wonder how duct leaks happen in the first place. Understanding what causes these problems can help you take the right steps to prevent them or catch them early before they spiral into bigger issues.
The Most Common Causes of Duct Leaks
Air ducts are the hidden highways that carry conditioned air throughout your home. When they’re in good shape, your heating and cooling system can operate efficiently, evenly distributing air from room to room. But over time, several factors can lead to cracks, holes, and gaps.
1. Poor Installation Practices
One of the leading causes of leaky ducts is improper installation. If the ducts were not sealed correctly at the joints or if inferior materials were used, it’s only a matter of time before leaks start forming. Unfortunately, this is a common issue in both new builds and older homes alike.
2. Aging Materials
Like anything else in your home, ductwork wears down with age. Over time, materials can dry out, corrode, or become brittle—especially if the system is more than 10–15 years old. As these materials degrade, they naturally become more susceptible to cracks and separations.
3. Temperature Fluctuations
Your ducts are constantly expanding and contracting with changes in temperature. In areas like attics or crawlspaces, this stress is even more intense due to the extreme temperature swings. This constant movement can loosen connections and open up seams over time.
4. Physical Damage
Ducts located in vulnerable areas can be accidentally bumped, crushed, or punctured during remodeling, home repairs, or pest activity. Even small impacts can cause separations at the joints or create holes that allow air to escape.
5. Air Pressure Imbalance
Improperly designed HVAC systems or blocked vents can create uneven air pressure in the ductwork. This imbalance puts additional stress on the ducts and forces air to find its way out—often through the weakest points.
Why Duct Leaks Are a Big Deal
Even small duct leaks can result in significant energy loss, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and longer to maintain your desired temperature. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the average home loses 20% to 30% of conditioned air due to leaky ducts.
That leads to:
- Higher monthly utility bills
- Reduced comfort throughout your home
- Shorter HVAC system lifespan
Poor indoor air quality from pulling in dust, allergens, or mold from attics or crawlspaces
The Solution: Professional Duct Sealing
While duct tape might work on a lot of things, it’s not a real solution for leaky ductwork. At Premier, we offer professional duct sealing services in Maysville, KY, using proven materials and techniques to close gaps, seal joints, and restore airflow efficiency.
Sealing your ducts not only improves comfort but can save you money and reduce strain on your HVAC equipment.