How Hot Weather Affects Your Air Ducts
If you’ve stepped outside in Grand Rapids this week, you’ve felt it. The heat is no joke. With temps climbing into the 90s and barely dipping at night, our air conditioners are running overtime. But while most people focus on their AC unit during hot spells, there’s another part of your system that plays a huge role in keeping your home cool, your air ducts.
Air ducts are the veins of your HVAC system, and when it’s hot outside, they take a beating. Let’s break down what that means for your comfort, your energy bills, and your home.
1. Your Ducts Expand and Contract in the Heat
When metal heats up, it expands. When it cools down, it contracts. That back-and-forth movement happens all summer long in your ductwork, especially in places like attics or crawlspaces that get even hotter than the air outside. Over time, this movement loosens seams and joints, allowing cool air to leak out. Even small leaks can make your AC run longer to make up the difference — which means higher bills for you.
2. Your System Works Harder Than It Should
On these scorching days in West Michigan, your AC isn’t just working hard, it’s working nonstop. That constant demand puts a lot of strain on your entire HVAC system, including the ducts. The more pressure in the system, the more likely it is that weak spots in your ductwork will turn into real problems. Cracks, gaps, or disconnected sections don’t just waste energy, they make your whole home less comfortable.
3. Humid Weather Can Lead to Mold in Your Ducts
It’s not just hot, it’s humid. When warm, moist air passes through your cool ductwork, condensation can form. If your ducts aren’t properly sealed or insulated, that moisture can build up inside, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. That doesn’t just smell bad, it can impact the air your family breathes every day.
4. Heat in Unconditioned Spaces Can Warm the Air Before It Reaches You
Many homes in Grand Rapids have ductwork running through attics, basements, or garages, areas that get brutally hot in the summer. If your ducts aren’t well insulated, the cool air traveling through them can heat up before it ever reaches your vents. That means your AC has to work even harder to keep things comfortable, and you might still feel like your home isn’t cooling properly.
5. Leaky or Uninsulated Ducts = Higher Energy Bills
When you combine all of these factors, expansion, leaks, humidity, and heat gain, the result is simple: your AC works harder and costs you more. Studies show that leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of the air your system produces. That’s money out the window every single month, especially during a hot stretch like this.
What Can You Do About It?
The good news? Most of these issues can be fixed, or prevented, with a little attention. Have your ductwork inspected and sealed. Make sure any exposed ducts in attics or crawlspaces are properly insulated. Consider upgrading to systems that manage airflow and humidity more efficiently. And don’t forget to keep up with regular maintenance on your AC unit.
Call Fred & Sons. We’ll Keep Your Ducts (and Your Home) Cool.
At Fred & Sons Air Duct & Carpet Cleaning, we know Grand Rapids weather, and we know how to keep your home comfortable, even during record setting heatwaves. If your AC is struggling to keep up or your energy bills are climbing, your ductwork might be to blame. Our team can inspect, seal, and optimize your system so you get the comfort you deserve without wasting money.
Give us a call today and let’s make sure your home is ready for the rest of this hot Michigan summer.