How do leaks occur in the duct system?
Homes are not static systems, and conditions change as your home ages. For example, tape adhesive dries out and caulking erodes. Workers or animals in your crawlspace or attic may disrupt ductwork. Many systems have supply vents in each room, but only one centrally located return vent for the whole home. When we close doors for privacy, air in that particular room can’t reach the return vent—but the supply duct is still bringing in conditioned air. It has to go somewhere, so air gets forced out any space available. Meanwhile, enough air isn’t entering the return duct, so unconditioned air from the attic, basement, garage or crawl space gets sucked in through weak spots, cracks or crevices. This situation can be avoided by having supply and return ducts in each room, or by adding vents in doors or in the space between the doorframe and ceiling. Also, keep furniture clear of air registers and return air vents. Anything that interferes with air circulation will make the system less effici
