What impact does duct leakage have on HVAC efficiency?

Duct leakage significantly impacts HVAC efficiency by allowing conditioned air to escape before it reaches its intended destination, ultimately leading to wasted energy. When air escapes through leaks, the system must work harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in increased energy consumption. This not only raises utility bills for homeowners or businesses but can also lead to erratic temperature control within different areas of a building. Beyond energy costs, duct leakage can also contribute to poor indoor air quality since unconditioned air, dust, and other particulates can enter the ducts, mixing with the air that circulates throughout the space. This combination of energy loss, increased bills, and compromised air quality illustrates why duct leakage is detrimental to HVAC performance and efficiency.