How to Identify and Fix Air Duct Leaks for Better Comfort & Efficiency

Your home’s ductwork is the hidden network of pathways that ensures your heating and cooling system distributes conditioned air efficiently. However, if these ducts develop leaks, gaps, or disconnections, they can significantly impact your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.

At SS&B Heating & Cooling, we’ve been designing, installing, and repairing ductwork in Springfield, MO, for over 55 years. Unlike companies that install ductwork without proper planning, we follow Manual D design to ensure proper airflow and balanced air distribution. This means your ductwork is precisely sized to match your HVAC system’s capacity and your home’s specific needs.

If you suspect your ductwork is leaking, here are three key warning signs to watch for and what you can do to fix the issue.

1. High Energy Bills Year-Round

If your utility bills have spiked without a rate increase, or if you’re paying more despite keeping your thermostat settings the same, leaky ductwork may be to blame. According to ENERGY STAR®, homes with leaky ductwork can lose 20-30% of conditioned air, causing your HVAC system to work harder than necessary.

Why Leaky Ducts Waste Energy:

The heated or cooled air escapes before it reaches your rooms, causing your HVAC system to run longer to compensate.
The system works harder, leading to increased wear and tear on your furnace or air conditioner.
Your home may experience temperature fluctuations, causing you to adjust the thermostat frequently.

What to Look For:

✔ Higher utility bills even when energy rates haven’t increased.
✔ HVAC system running longer than usual or struggling to maintain the set temperature.
✔ Increased wear on your heating and cooling equipment.

What to Do:

✅ Check exposed ducts for visible holes, loose connections, or disconnected sections.
✅ Feel for air leaks near duct joints while the system is running.
✅ Have an HVAC professional conduct a duct leakage test to pinpoint energy loss.

2. Uneven Temperatures & Poor Airflow

Are some rooms in your home always too hot in summer or too cold in winter, no matter how much you adjust the thermostat? Leaky or improperly designed ductwork may be preventing conditioned air from reaching certain areas of your home.

Why This Happens:

Air escapes before reaching the intended rooms, leaving them underheated or undercooled.
Disconnected ducts or blockages disrupt airflow, making some rooms feel uncomfortable.
Poorly sized ducts fail to distribute air evenly, leading to inconsistent temperatures.

What to Look For:

✔ Certain rooms that never feel comfortable compared to others.
✔ Weak airflow from some vents while others seem too strong.
✔ The HVAC system constantly running but failing to evenly cool or heat your home.

What to Do:

✅ Check your vent registers to ensure they are open and unobstructed.
✅ Inspect duct connections to confirm there are no visible separations.
✅ Have a professional HVAC technician evaluate your duct design and airflow balance.

At SS&B Heating & Cooling, we use Manual D calculations to properly size and balance duct systems, ensuring every room receives the right amount of airflow. If your ductwork wasn’t designed with this in mind, we can make necessary adjustments to restore comfort.

3. Excessive Dust & Poor Indoor Air Quality

Do you find yourself dusting more than usual or noticing allergy symptoms indoors? Leaky ductwork could be pulling in contaminants from areas like your attic, crawl space, or basement and circulating them throughout your home.

Why This Happens:

Return ducts with leaks may be sucking in dust, insulation particles, and allergens from unconditioned spaces.
Holes in supply ducts allow air to escape, creating pressure imbalances that pull in outside pollutants.
Mold and mildew can develop in ducts due to condensation buildup, leading to musty odors.

What to Look For:

✔ Increased dust accumulation around your home.
✔ Allergy symptoms worsening when indoors.
✔ Dusty or dirty return air vents.
✔ Musty or stale odors coming from your HVAC system.

What to Do:

✅ Inspect return air vents for excessive dust buildup.
✅ Change air filters regularly to prevent dust circulation.
✅ Schedule a ductwork inspection to identify leaks and contamination sources.

How to Fix Leaky Ductwork

Ignoring duct leaks can cost you hundreds of dollars per year, lead to HVAC system strain, and reduce indoor air quality. Here’s how to fix the problem:

1. Duct Sealing

Mastic sealant or aluminum foil tape can seal small gaps in exposed ducts (avoid using duct tape—it deteriorates over time!).
Proper sealing prevents energy loss and airflow inconsistencies.

2. Duct Repair

If your ductwork has damaged, disconnected, or crushed sections, targeted repairs can restore efficiency.
A professional can reconnect loose ducts and reinforce weak areas.

3. Duct Replacement

If your duct system is old, undersized, or poorly designed, a full replacement may be necessary.
At SS&B Heating & Cooling, we design ductwork using Manual D calculations to ensure each room receives the right amount of airflow.

Why Choose SS&B Heating & Cooling?

For over 55 years, we have been the trusted choice for ductwork design, installation, and repair in Springfield, MO. Our experience in Manual D design ensures your duct system is optimized for airflow, comfort, and efficiency.

What Sets Us Apart?

✔ Expert duct system design using Manual D calculations.
✔ Comprehensive diagnostics to pinpoint duct leaks.
✔ Duct sealing, repairs, and full replacements.
✔ Trane Comfort Specialist with trusted HVAC solutions.

📞 Call SS&B Heating & Cooling today to schedule a ductwork assessment and take the first step toward a more efficient, comfortable home!

Final Thoughts

Leaky ductwork is more than just an inconvenience—it can impact your comfort, energy costs, and indoor air quality. If you suspect duct leaks, don’t ignore them! Taking action now can save you money, improve your HVAC system’s efficiency, and create a healthier living environment.

At SS&B Heating & Cooling in Springfield, MO, we’re here to help you find and fix duct leaks the right way. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and let us optimize your home’s airflow for maximum comfort and efficiency!