AC ductwork plays a major role in keeping homes cool during summer in Loomis. When there’s a problem with the ductwork, it doesn’t matter how new or powerful the air conditioner is—cooled air won’t move through the home the way it should. One of the most common and disruptive issues is leaking ductwork. These leaks make the whole system work harder, which can lead to uneven cooling, higher energy usage, and more wear on the unit over time.
During late August, temperatures in Loomis can keep climbing, and homeowners depend on their AC systems to maintain a comfortable indoor space. If the cool air is escaping before it ever reaches the room vents, the system stays on longer just trying to keep up. This puts pressure on everything from the blower motor to the compressor. Addressing duct leaks early can prevent longer-term performance issues and help homeowners avoid unnecessary energy waste.
Common Causes Of AC Ductwork Leaks
Several issues can lead to ductwork leaks, and most of them start small. Over time, small gaps turn into real problems that can affect how well the entire system works. Here are some of the most common causes our technicians often find when inspecting systems in Loomis homes.
1. Aging Duct Materials
Duct systems do not last forever. Many older homes in Loomis still have original ductwork that has been in place for decades. Flexible ducting can dry out, crack, or come apart at the seams. Metal ducts can develop rust or corrosion in certain spots, making it easier for holes to form.
2. Poor Installation
If ductwork was not installed correctly to begin with, the system can shift or pull apart at key joints. Poor sealing or bending the ducts at sharp angles can lead to airflow pressure that forces seams open. In some cases, ducts may not have been properly secured, which increases the chance of leaks forming after just a few seasons.
3. Pest or Rodent Damage
Animals sometimes get into attics or crawlspaces and chew through insulation and duct material. Rodents can build nests right in the system, damaging the lining and creating holes around joined sections. The result is less cold air reaching the vents and more unconditioned air entering the system.
4. Normal Wear and Tear
Duct systems are often hidden behind walls or in ceilings, and they tend to be forgotten until something goes wrong. Everyday use and temperature fluctuations can gradually cause cracks, loose joints, or weakened seals.
Leaks tend to happen more frequently in attic duct locations, where rising heat outside adds extra stress to the materials. If the system is cool but rooms are still uncomfortable, aging or leaking ducts might be the cause.
Signs Your Ductwork May Be Leaking
It is not always easy to spot leaking ductwork right away, but there are some clear signs that should be addressed quickly. If you are experiencing any of the issues below in your Loomis home during a time when the AC is critical, it’s time to look into your ducts.
– Uneven Cooling Across Rooms
If some rooms are colder than others, or if certain spaces never seem to get cool no matter how long the AC runs, that could mean some of the air is being lost before reaching the vents. Leaks closer to the air handler often affect multiple areas in the home.
– Rising Energy Bills With No Change In Usage
If you have not adjusted your thermostat or changed your daily routine but notice your bills climbing, the AC could be running much longer than it should. Leaking ducts force the system to work harder, which increases operating costs even though you are not using it any differently.
– Excess Dust Around Supply Vents
Air leaks in return ducts can pull unwanted dust and insulation from crawlspaces or attics. If you are cleaning more often or noticing buildup around your vents, a leak may be introducing debris into the airflow.
– Unusual Noises in the Duct System
Whistling, whooshing, or rattling sounds from the ceiling or behind walls could point to airflow escaping at a weak seal or damaged joint. These sounds tend to be louder the closer the leak is to a main supply air duct.
Spotting these issues early saves time and avoids putting added strain on the HVAC equipment. If multiple signs show up at the same time, the leak may be significant enough to affect the entire cooling process. Catching it quickly helps your home stay comfortable during the hottest part of the year.
Professional Solutions to Fix Ductwork Leaks
Fixing leaking AC ductwork in your Loomis home starts with getting the right inspection. Our professionals begin by identifying where air is escaping and evaluating the full condition of the duct system. Many leaks are not visible without the proper tools, especially when they are located deep in crawlspaces or ceilings. This makes an expert diagnosis the first step before any repairs can take place.
Once the source of the leak is found, our technicians can apply proven solutions to restore airflow and improve cooling output. Most commonly, they use durable sealants or specialized tape materials to close up gaps and seams. They also add insulation around ducts, which can increase efficiency and reduce the impact of external heat, especially in attic installations.
In certain homes, the damage might be too extensive for sealing alone to be effective. When ducts sag, collapse, or are torn, it is often more efficient to replace those sections altogether. Replacement may sound like a bigger project, but leaving badly damaged ductwork in place leads to more energy waste and future repairs down the line.
Fixes like these do more than just stop leaks. They restore air pressure balance across the system, improve indoor air quality, and reduce the amount of run time required from the AC unit. When airflow is restored, rooms get cooler faster and stay that way longer.
Preventative Measures for Loomis Homeowners
Preventing duct problems before they start can save money, time, and headaches later. Homeowners in Loomis can help safeguard their cooling system by following a few key practices:
– Schedule regular duct inspections every few years, especially in older homes or ones undergoing renovations
– Confirm the duct layout and materials were correctly installed if you have purchased a previously owned home
– Choose upgraded insulation wraps for ductwork exposed in attics or unconditioned areas
– Avoid storing heavy items near ducts in attics or crawlspaces to prevent damage
– Monitor indoor comfort so you can catch signs of poor airflow or uneven temperatures early
– Have our professionals inspect duct connections any time you add rooms or change the AC unit
Taking a proactive approach reduces the chance of small leaks turning into larger system failures. One example is a homeowner in Loomis who recently noticed her living room stayed hot while other areas felt fine. After testing, we located a medium-sized gap in a return duct that had loosened behind the wall. A simple sealing job brought the room back to the right temperature and lowered her next energy bill.
Ensuring Your Home Stays Cool and Efficient
Addressing duct leaks is not just about stopping airflow loss. It is about giving your cooling system the best chance to work well all summer long. When ductwork is sealed and solid, the air conditioner does not need to run as often or as long, keeping utility costs under control. Rooms cool more evenly, comfort improves, and extra humidity is removed more efficiently.
Beyond the benefits to comfort and cost, fixing ductwork problems helps protect the system itself. A struggling AC unit wears out faster. Compressors can overheat, and blower motors can break under pressure. By resolving duct leaks, you are helping extend the life of each part connected to your HVAC system.
The weather in Loomis puts a lot of demand on AC systems during the hotter months. Any extra work caused by duct leakage adds strain that is avoidable with the right attention. Whether it is sealing joints, reinsulating, or replacing entire sections, addressing the issue early keeps your home cooler and more efficient throughout the summer. Professional support makes the difference in making lasting improvements.
Considering the challenges of worn or leaking ducts and the importance of ensuring peak performance throughout the summer, opting for an AC replacement in Loomis could help restore both efficiency and comfort in your home. BAEHR Heating & Air knows that a reliable system reduces strain on your HVAC unit and helps lower energy consumption. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
