Some common signs of leaky ducts include:

• High energy bills.

If your HVAC system is working hard but your energy bills seem too high, it could indicate air leaks or duct problems. Leaky ducts can waste a lot of energy and cost you money.

• Cold or hot spots.

ALso,if some areas of your home seem unusually cold or hot, it could mean the airflow is being compromised by leaky or damaged ducts. Proper air distribution is not reaching all zones.

• Drafts or noise.

Feeling drafts in spots, or hearing rattling/whistling sounds could indicate air leaks around ductwork or in the system itself.

• Moisture damage.

Over time, leaks can lead to water damage, staining or mold growth which may become visible on walls, ceilings, attics, etc. Look for any signs of water intrusion around ducts.

• Poor humidity control.

If the air in your home seems too dry or too humid, it could indicate the HVAC system is not functioning properly due to duct issues, causing lack of control over humidity levels.

• Condensation on ducts or air handler.

Then,visible condensation often forms on or drips from ductwork or the air handler unit, indicating air leaks or insulation problems.

• High filtration costs.

Often, people will increase HVAC filter frequency/efficiency to try and compensate for leaky ducts. But this does not actually fix the underlying issues and results in higher filter costs.

• Pests entering.

Moreover,mall animals like rodents can enter through holes or cracks in leaky ductwork systems. Look for signs of droppings or damage that may indicate pest entry points.

• Difficulty balancing the system.

In addition,the HVAC technician struggles to properly balance air delivery to different vents or balance return air flow. This can be a sign the duct layout or connections have issues.

• Parts like dampers won’t fully close.

Also,dampers that control air flow to zones may stick or not close fully due to damage or debris build-up from leaky ducts.

• Visible damage or corrosion. 

Finally,holes, ruptures, loose or damaged sections of ductwork may be visible in places like the attic, basement, crawlspace or behind air handlers and furnaces. Corrosion can also develop on ducts