Summer is just around the corner, and as expected, you have surely prepared a to-do list to make the most out of the warm season. Winter often affords us limited opportunities when it comes to maintaining our houses, vehicles, and more. However, summer is the golden time of the year during which you can easily accomplish your pending maintenance tasks. In this regard, late spring or early summer provides the ideal weather conditions for the former.
Although you have a lot to do, like thorough house cleaning, redesigning the garden, changing your car’s tires, etc, do not neglect your HVAC. As reputable HVAC contractors in Edmonton, we would like to bring your attention to air leaks and their potential costly impacts. Whether it is winter or summer, air leaks are bad news for any homeowner.
Why?
Well, according to Energy Education, your HVAC system has the largest share of energy consumption in your house. In other words, your HVAC system is the major determinant of how pleasant or heartbreaking your monthly utility bills will be. If we break down the numbers even further, the major culprit turns out to be warm air leaks in the winter. However, Edmonton’s warm months of June and July also see major surges in utility bills as a result of cool air leaking out and warm air seeping into the house.
In short, HVAC accounts for more than half of your bills. Thus, leaving the matter of leaking air unattended is neither in your best interests nor that of your pocket. The best time to inspect for and correct this issue is the month of May. This will save you the trouble of sitting breathless in sweaty clothes as your HVAC undergoes a repair in mid-summer.
What Is An HVAC Air Leak?
This is whereby the loose connections in your HVAC system, especially the ductwork, cause either of the two scenarios:
- In winter, warm air leaks out of the house while cool air seeps in
- In summer, cool air escapes the house while warm air finds its way in
What Are The Most Common Signs Of Air Leaks?
Unlike water and oil, air is invisible. Thus, you can not easily pinpoint its leakage. Nevertheless, watching out for the below-mentioned signs can give you a warning regarding a potential air leak issue:
Unexplainably High Energy Bills
The first sign is actually the main disadvantage of air leaks. If you suddenly start experiencing a sudden surge in your utility bills, check your house for air leaks. Specifically speaking of summer, when warm air seeps into the home, the cooling effect of the HVAC is reduced. Consequently, you will try to attain the desired comfort by putting the system on high, which will ultimately increase your energy costs.
Reduces HVAC Efficiency
If despite putting the system on high, you are unable to enjoy cool air around the house or the system shows signs of inconsistent operation, there might be an air leak.
Diminished Air Quality And Excessive Dust
Perhaps the most apparent sign of an air leak is poor indoor air quality. If you are unable to understand why so much dirt is finding its way into your house lately, consider testing your HVAC system for air leaks.
Kinked Or Rusted Ducts
If your air conditioner or HVAC is not regularly maintained, it won’t be long before it shows signs of impairment, such as rust and cracks. The latter often results in air leaks through the system’s ductwork. Therefore, it is essential to schedule regular HVAC or air conditioner maintenance sessions.
Proper HVAC maintenance provides numerous benefits.
Potential Air Leak Spots
Homeowners have the common misconception that air leaks only occur in the ductwork. In truth, several areas in your house may be responsible for it. These include:
- Inadequately insulated doors and windows
- Around the baseboards
- Near cable or wire openings and switches
- Around attic doors and other such areas
What To Do When There Is A Suspected Air Leak?
When it is time to take some action, it is first necessary to consider the exact areas responsible for the leak. For this task, you can use the famous incense stick test. Just walk around the suspected area with the incense stick and see if the smoke changes its direction. Mark all the areas for which the smoke moves sideways and insulate them appropriately.
However, if the leak is around your HVAC ductwork, we recommend you refrain from DIY repairs as they may result in the worsening of the issue.
Call The Top HVAC Contractors
Whether it is a minor air leak or a major HVAC installation, we are well-acquainted with every aspect of this field. Learn more about Nor Can Heating & Air and their exquisite range of services.
Contact us now to find a personalized solution to your HVAC needs.
