Tests to detect leaks in air ducts are essential for energy efficiency and to prevent invisible damage to the structural integrity of the house. Leaks in ducts can cause excess humidity in the house, poor air quality, loss of energy, and significant wear and tear on heating and cooling units. To ensure your home's energy efficiency and structural integrity, it's important to regularly check your HVAC system for any signs of leakage. Locating leaks in ducts begins with an inspection by a trusted HVAC company.
During the inspection, the ducts will be carefully examined for obvious breaks or loose connections. All problem areas will be marked with an oiling pen so that they can be repaired after the inspection is complete. Smoke testing is a great way to detect small leaks that may not be visible to the naked eye. Anything that releases smoke can be a great tool for finding holes in ducts. A smoke pen or incense pen is a great example of a tool you can use to test smoke and detect leaks in air ducts.
Try running the tool slowly under the duct system, as smoke will indicate small leaks that you may not be able to detect with the naked eye. If you see smoke moving or spinning in an unusual way, then you know that the air duct is sucking it in or out. Mark these smaller leaks so you can repair them later. In addition to smoke testing, you can also look for discolored areas or sheets of plaster that have come off along the edges of the grilles of ventilation. If there is a large air leak coming from the ventilation of an air duct, it might be a good idea to test the air ducts for leaks.
This is especially important when checking air conditioning ducts for leaks or anywhere else where air ducts meet plasterboard. To seal these tears in the ducts, you must use aluminum-coated adhesive tape to wrap the air duct or apply putty directly on the leak. Once your heating or cooling system conditions the air, it must first travel through ducts before you can use it inside your living areas. If you haven't had your duct system checked in the past five years, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you've bought an older home, a telltale sign that your ductwork may be leaking is to look for duct tape.
In addition to the interior and exterior system, the duct system is one of the first places to detect problems with the air conditioning. Leaky ducts can attract dust accumulated in the attic and basement and distribute it throughout the house. Air conditioning ducts are an extremely important component that affects system performance. Smoke testing is a great way to detect small leaks that may not be visible to the naked eye, while discolored areas or sheets of plaster coming off along ventilation grilles are signs of larger leaks. If you suspect your home has a leaky duct system, contact a trusted HVAC company for an inspection and repair. Regularly inspecting your HVAC system for any signs of leakage is essential for energy efficiency and preventing invisible damage to your home's structural integrity.