How Leaky Air Ducts Affect Your Home

You can’t see them, but air leaks in your ductwork result in the loss of comfort, energy, and money. At Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing, we help homeowners in Bellingham and across Northwestern Washington take control of their indoor air by sealing the hidden leaks that run through walls, ceilings, and crawlspaces.

Leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape before it ever reaches your living spaces. This forces your HVAC system to work harder, raising energy bills and straining your equipment. It can also lead to inconsistent temperatures from room to room and increase the presence of dust and allergens in your home.

These problems don’t just impact your wallet—they affect your daily comfort. Duct sealing is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s efficiency, air quality, and system performance. It’s a simple fix with big results, and our team is here to help!

How to Tell You Have Leaky Air Ducts

Because ductwork is hidden behind walls, ceilings, and under floors, many homeowners don’t realize it’s leaking until the signs become hard to ignore. We help homeowners identify the warning signs before small issues turn into major inefficiencies. Here are the most common signs that your ductwork may be leaking:

• Uneven temperatures: Rooms that are consistently too hot or too cold compared to the rest of the house
• Higher energy bills: A sudden or steady increase in utility costs with no change in usage habits
• Excessive dust: More dust on surfaces, vents, and registers, especially soon after cleaning
• Musty or stale odors: Air that smells off when your HVAC system is running
• Weak airflow: Some vents barely push air, making heating or cooling certain rooms difficult
• Whistling or rattling sounds: Noises coming from behind walls or near ductwork

If you’ve noticed one or more of these issues, it’s time to schedule a professional duct inspection. Our team uses specialized tools to pinpoint leaks and recommend the most effective solution for restoring your system’s performance.

Why You Need Professional Duct Sealing

When it comes to sealing air ducts, duct tape isn’t the answer. In fact, despite the name, duct tape is not rated for HVAC systems and deteriorates quickly under heat and pressure. We use professional-grade sealants like mastic and foil-backed tape, as well as advanced methods such as Aeroseal—a powerful technology that seals leaks from the inside out.

Our technicians conduct a detailed inspection of your ductwork, identify leakage points, and apply long-lasting sealing solutions that meet industry standards. We seal ducts in attics, crawlspaces, walls, and basements without major disruption to your home.

The results? Better airflow, lower energy costs, improved indoor air quality, and longer HVAC system life. Our WholeHome™ approach ensures the sealing is done right, so you get real results that last.

Contact our Bellingham Home Performance Experts for professional duct sealing. We’ve proudly served the I-5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands since 1972. Our Mission: Improving Lives™.