Homes that have forced air heating and cooling systems use ducts to distribute conditioned air throughout the home. In the typical home, around thirty percent of heated or cooled air is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts. Issue with the duct system results in more costly utility bills and difficulty keeping a comfortable temperature. An increase in monthly utility bills, rooms that are hard to heat and cool, too much humidity and airborne dust are indications of leaky ducts. It’s a great idea to have the duct system inspected by a qualified and helpful HVAC technician ever three to five years. If there’s a buildup of debris within the ducts, holes, or leaks at the seams, the repair fixes all of it. The cleaning or sealing process is not all that invasive, is usually completed quickly, and saves a lot of money. Properly operating ducts no only reduces costs but slows wear and tear on the furnace and air conditioner. By eliminating energy waste and lack of airflow, the heating and cooling system runs at full capacity for shorter cycles, reducing the chance of malfunction and extending service life. In addition, clean, effectively sealed ducts cause a cleaner, healthier and more enjoyable living environment. There’s less chance of backdrafting of combustion byproducts from machines such as the water heater, furnace, and clothes dryer. The seeping in of outside contaminants, such as exhaust fumes, pollen, and pesticides is avoided. While the duct system is typically out of sight, inside ceilings, walls, or crawl spaces, it should never be ignored.