Do you suspect that your air ducts are leaking? If so, it's essential to test them for any potential leaks in order to guarantee that your home is comfortable and energy efficient. Although it can be difficult to detect air duct leaks, there are a few methods you can use to find them. The simplest way to identify large leaks in the ducts is by feeling them with your hand. If you come across any areas with obvious or suspected leaks, mark them with an oiling pen so you can easily recognize them later.
For more accurate testing, ENERGY STAR recommends using a pressure of 25 Pascal, which is almost the operating pressure of a typical duct system. This is especially important when checking for leaks in air ducts, at the entrances of air conditioning ducts, or anywhere else where air ducts meet plasterboard. Loose connections, gaps, damaged duct sections and disconnected ducts can all allow air conditioning to escape the duct system before reaching indoor living areas, resulting in wasted energy. To prevent this from happening, it's essential to seal and isolate the ducts.
Regular maintenance of air ducts can also help ensure that they work effectively and avoid future leaks.