When summer hits and your AC is running nonstop, high energy bills might seem unavoidable. But if your monthly costs keep climbing with no clear explanation, the culprit could be hiding in your walls, ceilings, attic, or your ductwork.
Leaky ducts are one of the most overlooked causes of energy loss in a home. Even a small gap or crack in your duct system can allow conditioned air to escape before it ever reaches the rooms you’re trying to cool. The result? Your HVAC system works harder, your comfort drops, and your energy bills rise.
Here’s why ductwork leaks matter and how fixing them can make a big difference for your wallet and comfort.
What Causes Duct Leaks?
Over time, ductwork can develop gaps, loose connections, or tears from normal wear and tear, pests, improper installation, or aging materials. In many homes, especially older ones, the ducts weren’t sealed properly in the first place. Combine that with attic heat, vibration from your HVAC system, and seasonal expansion and contraction, and you have a recipe for leaks.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 20 to 30% of the air moving through the average home’s duct system is lost due to leaks. That’s a significant amount of cooled air never making it to your living spaces.
How Leaks Impact Cooling Efficiency
When your AC pushes cold air through the ducts and it escapes through cracks or disconnected sections, your system has to run longer to reach the set temperature. That means:
Higher energy consumption
More wear and tear on your HVAC equipment
Uneven temperatures throughout your home
Reduced indoor air quality, as dirty attic or crawlspace air gets pulled into the ducts
All of this puts unnecessary strain on your system and drives up energy bills, especially during the hottest months.
Signs You Might Have Leaky Ducts
Wondering if duct leaks are an issue in your home? Here are some telltale signs:
Rooms that are too hot or too cold
Weak airflow from vents
High utility bills despite a well-maintained HVAC system
Dust buildup around vents or registers
AC seems to run constantly without fully cooling the home
The Benefits of Duct Sealing
Professional duct sealing solves the problem at the source. A licensed technician can inspect your entire system, identify leaks, and seal them with mastic or specialized tape designed for ductwork. In some cases, advanced methods like aerosol sealing may be used to seal leaks from the inside out.
Benefits include:
Lower energy bills
More consistent indoor comfort
Better air quality
Improved HVAC system lifespan
Sealing your ducts can be one of the most cost-effective upgrades you make to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Stay Cool and Save More with ServiceOne
Don’t let hidden ductwork leaks drain your energy budget this summer. A professional duct inspection and sealing service from ServiceOne can help keep your cool air where it belongs, inside your home. Contact us today to schedule an energy-efficiency assessment and take control of your summer comfort and costs.