18 Jun Signs Your Ductwork May Need To Be Sealed

Your air ducts are responsible for distributing heated and cooled air throughout your home. If those ducts have leaks or cracks, you could be wasting energy, straining your HVAC system, and sacrificing indoor air quality. Knowing the signs your ductwork may need to be sealed can save you money and help you maintain comfort year-round.

Unexplained High Energy Bills

Have your energy costs spiked even though your usage habits haven’t changed? That could be your first red flag. Leaky ducts make your HVAC system work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This extra strain shows up in your energy bill.

If you notice a steady increase in your utility costs without a clear explanation, your ductwork may be leaking conditioned air into unoccupied areas of your home.

Uneven Temperatures From Room to Room

Walking from one room to another shouldn’t cause you to experience a climate shift. If one room is freezing while another feels like a sauna, your ducts may not be delivering air evenly. Leaks or gaps in the system can reduce airflow to specific rooms, making them feel uncomfortable, even if your HVAC system is functioning well.

A professional inspection can determine if the problem lies in the duct system and where it needs sealing or insulation.

Excessive Dust Around the House

If you’re constantly dusting furniture, only to see the dust return within a day or two, your ductwork might be the hidden cause.

Here are several ways faulty ductwork can increase indoor dust:

• Dust accumulates inside duct walls, and when airflow becomes unbalanced or turbulent due to leaks, your HVAC blows that built-up dust into your home.
• Unfiltered air bypasses your HVAC system’s defenses, allowing airborne particles to enter directly through gaps or disconnected joints.
• Leaks reduce overall system filtration efficiency, forcing your HVAC system to cycle faster without fully capturing dust and allergens.

A thorough inspection and sealing service can drastically reduce indoor dust and restore breathable air in your home.

Noisy HVAC Operation

It’s normal for your HVAC system to make some noise when it kicks on, but if you’re hearing rattling, whistling, or whooshing sounds, it could be due to air escaping from the ductwork. When the system forces air through gaps or loose connections, it can create unusual noises.

Often, homeowners mistake these sounds for mechanical problems within the HVAC unit itself. But the issue could be as simple as an air leak.

Weak Airflow From Vents

If some vents barely push out air while others seem to function properly, it’s time to take a closer look. Weak airflow is a common sign of duct leakage. Air may be escaping before it reaches the room, reducing the effectiveness of your heating or cooling.

This symptom can often go unnoticed because the HVAC unit continues to run, and rooms still receive some level of conditioning. But you may be overworking the system to compensate for air that never reaches its intended destination.

Moldy or Musty Odors

Odors in your home can originate from various sources, but if you detect a persistent musty scent, especially when your HVAC system is running, it may indicate issues within your ductwork. Gaps and cracks allow humid air to enter, which can lead to condensation, mold growth, and mildew inside the ducts.

These odors make your home unpleasant and can pose health risks.

Visual Signs of Damage or Disconnection

If you have access to any part of your ductwork, do a quick visual inspection. Look for obvious holes, gaps, or disconnected joints. Metal tape or mastic sealant can degrade over time, and flexible duct sections may sag or tear.

Even if everything looks intact, you may not see all the problems. Air pressure tests can uncover hidden leaks that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

Your HVAC System Is Old

If your HVAC system or ductwork is more than 10–15 years old, it’s likely not running as efficiently as it should. Over time, ductwork can develop gaps, cracks, and loose connections, especially if the original installation didn’t follow today’s best practices. Even if your HVAC unit still runs, your duct system might be wasting energy behind the scenes.

As technology has advanced, so have industry standards. Modern ductwork installation now involves the use of better materials, tighter seals, and more rigorous testing. Unfortunately, many older homes don’t benefit from these updates. If your home hasn’t had ductwork upgrades in over a decade, there’s a good chance it’s underperforming.

Routine inspection and restoration can upgrade your current ductwork to meet modern efficiency standards without the cost of a full replacement.

You Haven’t Scheduled a Duct Inspection

Most homeowners stay on top of HVAC maintenance, replacing filters and servicing the system regularly. However, when it comes to ductwork, many people overlook its existence until a problem arises.

Ducts age just like any other part of your home. Seals degrade, joints loosen, and small holes form over time. If it’s been a long time since a professional has looked at your ductwork, or if you’ve never had it checked at all, now’s the time. A simple visual examination can uncover a range of issues and help you determine if sealing is necessary.

What Happens During Duct Sealing?

Duct sealing typically starts with a pressure test to identify where air is leaking. Professionals may use smoke pencils or infrared cameras to spot problem areas. If they locate a leak, they’ll use mastic sealant, metal-backed tape, or aerosol-based products to close the gaps.

This isn’t a DIY-friendly task. Effective sealing requires entering areas of your home you may not want to crawl into. Additionally, inexperience can lead to mistakes. A skilled technician will ensure the new seals are thorough and long-lasting.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

Are your energy bills climbing? Are you constantly dusting without relief? Those are signs your ductwork may need to be sealed. Ignoring them can lead to more significant issues over time, including higher repair costs, poorer air quality, and even HVAC system failure.

If your ducts need sealing, turn to Duct Squads, your trusted partner for air duct restoration. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and take the first step toward a healthier home.