Summer is just around the corner, and in North Carolina, that means hot and humid weather for the next several months. Starting off the summer season knowing your HVAC system is in tip-top shape should be a priority. Your home could have leaks that you’re unaware of, causing your energy bill to skyrocket. Preventative AC maintenance is definitely something you should consider. Let’s talk about all things air leaks, and we’ll show you how to keep your energy bill low this summer while maximizing the use of your AC system.
Air leaks – cracks and holes in the structu
re that let air in and out – can develop over time in any home. If your home has several leaks the HVAC system will not run as effectively as cool air leaks out of the house and hot air leaks in. And when your HVAC system works harder, it costs you more money. The best solution is to check for air leaks.
Of course, it would be easier if checking for air leaks could be done DIY style, but we recommend having a professional come take a look if you’re having a serious air leak problem. One of our HVAC technicians will evaluate your entire home, making sure not to miss any hidden leaks. However, some of the most common spots for minor air leaks in a home include:
However, the leaks that we are really worried about that can cause your HVAC system to have a huge decrease in efficiency are those found in your air ducts. We often see tears in the ductwork which can be a huge problem, along with loose duct joints. Although the name is deceiving, duct tape is not a permanent fix and we’ll suggest to properly seal the leak if we find any tape throughout your ductwork.
Even the tiniest leaks could be causing you to lose up to 25% of the cool air made by your HVAC unit. And of course, that’s costing you more. There are several solutions for minor cracks and holes that cause leaks, and you might even be able to do some of them yourself. These include:
Are you suspicious of leaks in your home and want a cool house and a lower energy bill? Contact the 6 & Fix team.