Before You Blame the Furnace: Schedule A Duct Leak Test

Couple have cold on the sofa at home with winter coat

January in Ohio doesn’t play nice—and Lowe’s Air Duct Cleaning hears the same story every winter. In Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and up around Fairlawn, the pattern is familiar: the furnace kicks on, the thermostat climbs…and one side of the house still feels like a chilly hallway.

Don’t Blame the Furnace Yet

Before you assume the furnace is failing, check the ductwork that’s supposed to deliver the heat.

Where the Warm Air Goes

ENERGY STAR says that in a typical home, about 20–30% of the air moving through ducts can be lost through leaks, holes, and poor connections. That’s warm air you already paid for—spilling into a basement, attic, or crawlspace instead of landing in your living room.

The Tell-Tale Signs

Duct leaks can be sneaky—no big warning light, just a house that never feels evenly comfortable.

Be on the lookout for:

A back bedroom that never warms up
One floor roasting while another stays cold
Weak airflow at vents far from the furnace
Dust that reappears fast, even after cleaning
A furnace that runs long cycles and still can’t “catch up”

Cleaning vs. Leaks

These are related, but not the same. The EPA doesn’t recommend duct cleaning as routine annual maintenance—more “as needed,” based on conditions and concerns. If the core issue is airflow and leakage, a duct leakage test helps you pinpoint where comfort (and money) is slipping away.

What the Test Answers

A duct leakage test paired with airflow measurement answers a simple question: Is your system actually delivering what it produces?

Why It Pays Off

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that poorly sealed/insulated ducts can drive higher bills, and sealing and insulation help reduce those losses. Meaning, you stop chasing the thermostat and start fixing the delivery problem.

What We Do at Lowe’s

At Lowe’s Air Duct Cleaning, our air duct cleaning + duct leakage test package includes airflow measurement and proof of cleaning with before/after photos—so you’re not left guessing. If sealing is the next step, Aeroseal™ duct sealing is available in select areas.

Ready for Even Heat?

If your furnace is working overtime but comfort stays uneven, start with a duct leakage test. Contact Lowe’s Air Duct Cleaning at (800) 699-0955 to compare packages, unlock special pricing, and schedule your January HVAC checkup.

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