What Happens During a Duct Inspection?
A real duct inspection feeds a camera into every accessible run to visually check for leaks at joints and connections, crushed or kinked sections, and dust or debris buildup — rather than relying on a guess based on symptoms alone. It's the step that determines whether your home needs sealing, replacement, or nothing at all.
What the Camera Checks For
- Disconnected or loose joints, especially at boots and takeoffs
- Crushed or kinked flex duct, common in attics where it's been stepped on
- Visible debris, dust buildup, or signs of pest activity
- Insulation condition on runs through unconditioned space
What's Accessible vs. Not
Ductwork in an open attic or crawlspace is straightforward to inspect visually and with a camera. Ducts buried in finished walls or ceilings are harder to access directly — in those cases, we rely more on airflow testing and the symptom pattern (from signs of leaky ducts) to narrow down likely problem areas.
What You Get Afterward
A specific report: which runs have leaks, how severe, and whether sealing or replacement is the right fix for what we actually found — not a generic recommendation based on the home's age alone.
Ready to see what's really going on inside your ductwork? Schedule a duct inspection.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a duct inspection take?
Typically under an hour for a standard residential system with reasonably accessible ductwork.
Can you inspect ducts that are inside walls or ceilings?
Direct camera access is limited there — we rely more on airflow testing and symptom patterns to narrow down likely issues in those sections.
Do I need a full inspection if I already know where one leak is?
Yes — an inspection often finds additional issues beyond the one you noticed, which affects whether sealing or replacement is the right call.
Is duct inspection included in a regular tune-up?
A full camera-based duct inspection is a separate, more thorough service than what's covered in a standard tune-up visit.
What if the inspection finds nothing wrong?
Then we tell you that — a clean inspection means your symptoms likely have a different cause, like an aging component elsewhere in the system.