Over time, duct materials can degrade, and connections can weaken, causing sections to disconnect or develop gaps and leaks. Older duct systems may also have outdated sealing methods that deteriorate with age.

If ducts are improperly installed, they may not be securely fastened, making them more likely to disconnect under pressure or vibration from the HVAC system. Poor workmanship can also result in loose connections or misaligned sections.

Physical damage, such as impact from construction work, pests, or accidental contact, can cause ducts to become disconnected or punctured. Rodents and insects may chew through duct materials, creating holes or gaps.

Air pressure within the ducts can cause weak connections to separate, especially if the system is improperly balanced or operating under excessive strain.

Duct materials can expand and contract with changes in temperature, particularly in unconditioned spaces like attics or basements. Over time, this movement can loosen connections or create cracks in the ductwork.

Vibrations from the air conditioning system, especially if the unit is not properly installed or maintained, can cause ducts to shift, leading to disconnections or leaks.

Leaking or disconnected ducts result in significant energy loss as conditioned air escapes into unconditioned spaces like attics or crawl spaces. This forces the HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired indoor temperature, increasing energy consumption and utility bills.

When ducts are not properly sealed or connected, certain areas of the building may receive less conditioned air, leading to uneven temperatures and discomfort in specific rooms.

Leaks in the duct system can allow dust, debris, and allergens from unconditioned spaces to enter the airflow, degrading indoor air quality. This can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies for occupants.

The HVAC system must work harder to compensate for lost air, which can lead to increased wear and tear on components, reducing the lifespan of the equipment and increasing the likelihood of breakdowns.

The combination of reduced efficiency, increased energy consumption, and accelerated equipment wear results in higher overall operating and maintenance costs.

Check accessible ductwork for visible gaps, disconnected sections, or damage. Pay attention to areas near seams, joints, and bends.

Uneven cooling or heating in different rooms may indicate that air is not reaching certain areas due to leaks or disconnections.

A sudden or unexplained rise in energy bills may suggest that the HVAC system is compensating for lost air due to duct issues.

Excess dust accumulating in the home may be a sign of leaks drawing in contaminants from unconditioned spaces.

HVAC professionals can conduct duct leakage testing using tools like a duct blower to measure air loss and pinpoint leaks or disconnected sections.

For disconnected ducts, reconnect sections securely and seal the joints with duct mastic or metal-backed tape. Avoid using standard duct tape, which can degrade over time.

Replace sections of ductwork that are heavily damaged, worn, or punctured. For minor issues, patches can be applied to seal small holes or tears.

Insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces to prevent thermal loss and reduce the risk of thermal expansion and contraction causing future damage.

Use support straps or hangers to secure ducts in place, especially in areas prone to shifting or vibration. Proper support reduces the likelihood of disconnections.

Have a professional balance the system to ensure that air pressure within the ducts is evenly distributed, minimizing strain on connections.

Replace older, flexible ducts with rigid ductwork or modern materials that are less prone to leaks and disconnections.

Schedule regular inspections and maintenance of the HVAC system and ductwork to catch potential issues early and ensure optimal performance.