Inspect HVAC Ductwork
Why It Matters
Leaky ducts can waste 20-30% of the air your system produces, dramatically increasing energy costs and reducing comfort.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Flashlight, Incense stick or smoke pencil. Materials required: Foil tape or mastic sealant.
- 2
Perform the inspect hvac ductwork
Check visible ductwork in attic, basement, and crawl space for leaks, disconnections, and damaged insulation. Safety note: Watch your step in attic or crawl space areas.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If if ducts are significantly damaged or disconnected, consider calling a professional.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Flashlight
- Incense stick or smoke pencil
Materials
- Foil tape or mastic sealant
Community Tips
Flex Seal Duct Tape ($8-12) should never be used on ductwork despite its name—the adhesive degrades within 1-2 years under temperature fluctuations, causing leaks that reduce HVAC efficiency by 15-20%. Foil tape or mastic sealant provide lasting seals that maintain performance over a decade.
An incense stick reveals air leaks far more effectively than visual inspection alone, as the smoke visibly trails toward even hairline gaps in seams and connections that would otherwise go undetected during a standard flashlight examination.
Ductwork in attics and crawlspaces often contains asbestos insulation on sections installed before 1980—attempting to seal or disturb these areas risks releasing carcinogenic fibers, and professional remediation ($500-2,000) is legally required rather than a DIY repair. ---