Although the ductwork is hidden inside wall cavities, attics and crawl spaces, there are warning signs when the system is leaking. Once the ducts start leaking, the furnace and air conditioner need to work harder and run longer. The heated and cooled air escapes into the attic, basement and unwanted areas. Unconditioned, contaminated air gets drawn into the system and delivered throughout the rooms of the home. Higher energy bills, hot and cold spots, musty odors, excessive dust and longer system run times are indications of leaky ducts. In most homes, the ducts allow a significant amount of air to escape by way of small holes, cracks and gaps at the seams. Sometimes the ducts aren’t properly insulated or the foil tape at the plenums has failed. The goal of professional duct sealing is to reduce energy waste. When the ducts operate at their best, the maximum amount of conditioned air is delivered to the home. The furnace and air conditioner don’t need to run as long or work as hard to maintain ideal comfort. This results in lower energy bills, and because of less strain on components, the system operates more reliability and lasts longer. Maximum airflow ensures a more consistent temperature across the living space. There is less chance of fumes, VOCs, pollen, dust, mold spores and other harmful toxins from entering the breathing air. Sealed ducts provide healthier indoor air quality and reduce cleaning requirements. Plus, there is less chance of contaminants accumulating on the system’s evaporator coil. When the air conditioner operates, the coil becomes wet. The combination of moisture and pollutants creates the perfect breeding ground or microorganisms. They smell bad, cause health concerns and negatively affect AC operation. Scheduling duct sealing also offers the opportunity to detect other problems, such as improper design, undersized supply or return plenums, lack of insulation or damaged, bent or disconnected ducts.