What can happen if ductwork has significant leaks?

When ductwork has significant leaks, it can lead to reduced airflow and cooling capacity within the HVAC system. Leaks allow conditioned air to escape into unconditioned spaces, which means that less air reaches the intended rooms. This results in inefficient cooling or heating because the system must work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Furthermore, when less air is being delivered to living areas, it can lead to hot or cold spots, making the living environment uncomfortable and necessitating greater energy consumption to compensate for the lost conditioned air.

This ultimately impacts the performance of the HVAC system. As the system struggles to push conditioned air through the compromised ductwork, its efficiency decreases, which can lead to higher operational costs and increased strain on the system components over time. Proper duct sealing and insulation are important for maintaining system efficiency and effectiveness.