Leaky ductwork can cause HVAC drafts this fall season

Ductwork Repair and Cleaning

Fall is here and ready or not, cooler temperatures are on the way. Does your ductwork need a makeover or cleaning? Can you tell if there are issues with your ductwork? Leaky ductwork can cause HVAC drafts and other issues to consider this fall.

Wasted energy

Have you noticed an increase in energy bills? According to Energy Star , 20-30% of air moving through ductwork is lost due to disconnected ducts, holes, or cracks. To put it simply, leaks in your ductwork means that air is escaping or coming in, depending on where the leaks are. Regardless of where the leaks are, these leaks mean more money spent running the HVAC system. Even worse, damaged or loose ducts leak air even when the system is not running, meaning the energy loss is constant.

HVAC system trouble

Leaky ductwork equals lost energy. This also equals an overused and abused HVAC system. Leaks affect how quickly cold or hot air is lost or brought in – depending on the temperature and whether you are running the air or heat. If you are running the heat in the fall or winter and the warm, air is quickly leaking out, or cooler air is leaking into the return ducts, this will kick your system on more frequently to maintain the set temperature. Your HVAC will be working much harder than necessary and most likely will need repairs sooner.

Health concerns

Besides the stress of increased energy bills, leaks in ductwork can negatively impact your health. Ductwork is often in basements, crawl spaces, or attics which are typically unconditioned areas. Leaks in your ductwork can increase moisture resulting in mold and mildew. Ductwork leaks located near hazardous materials or polluted air can result in you breathing these things in without even knowing it. Whether mold, dust or some other contaminant – you don’t want this being processed through your HVAC system. After the repairs are made to your ductwork, it’s important to clean the ducts properly.

Ductwork Experts – Maxwell Heating & Cooling

If you think you may have leaky ductwork or you aren’t sure, contact us at Maxwell Heating and Cooling, Inc. and we’ll make sure your ducts are in order for the fall season.

SEER2 vs SEER Explained

By Michele Smith • May 15, 2025
If you're in the market for a new HVAC system, you may have noticed new terms popping up—SEER2 ratings and A2L refrigerants, to name a couple. At Maxwell Heating & Cooling, we want to help our customers in Carrollton and the surrounding areas make informed decisions, so let’s break down what these changes mean and why they matter for your comfort and energy savings. What is SEER? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it's been the standard measurement for air conditioner and heat pump efficiency for decades. A higher SEER rating indicates greater energy efficiency. For example, a 16 SEER system uses less energy to cool your home than a 13 SEER system. Introducing SEER2 Beginning in 2023, the Department of Energy introduced SEER2—a new testing standard that better reflects real-world conditions, including external static pressure in ductwork. SEER2 uses updated testing procedures that are more stringent, meaning the ratings are slightly lower than traditional SEER values for the same equipment. In short, SEER2 is not a different product—it’s a more accurate measurement of how that product performs in the real world. For example, a unit previously rated at 16 SEER might be rated closer to 15.2 SEER2 under the new testing method. Why the Change? The SEER2 standard ensures that homeowners get a more realistic picture of how efficiently their system will run under typical installation conditions. It's all about transparency and long-term energy savings. What Are A2L Refrigerants? In addition to changes in efficiency standards, 2023 also ushered in a shift to A2L refrigerants. These are mildly flammable, low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants that are better for the environment than older options like R-410A. A2L refrigerants are part of the HVAC industry's move toward more sustainable and climate-friendly solutions. How SEER2 and A2L Work Together As manufacturers adapt to A2L refrigerants, they're also designing new HVAC systems that meet SEER2 requirements. This combination ensures that new equipment is not only more environmentally responsible but also performs more accurately according to how it’s truly used in your home. What This Means for You If you're considering upgrading your HVAC system, you’ll likely encounter SEER2 ratings and A2L refrigerants. At Maxwell Heating & Cooling, our team is fully trained and certified to install and service this new generation of equipment. We’ll guide you through selecting the right system to match your comfort needs, budget, and energy goals. Ready to Upgrade? Contact Maxwell Heating & Cooling today for a free estimate or to learn more about how SEER2 and A2L refrigerants can impact your home comfort for the better. Call us or schedule your consultation online today!
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