Fix leaky and damaged ducts — better comfort, lower energy bills.
I'm Leo, owner of LC Heating & Air. If you're dealing with rooms that never seem to get comfortable or energy bills that don't make sense, the problem often isn't your AC unit itself—it's the ductwork. In Pico-Robertson, we see a lot of homes with aging or poorly installed duct systems that are leaking conditioned air into attics and wall cavities.
My goal is to give you an honest look at what is happening behind your walls and ceilings. We don't just guess; we use diagnostic tools to find where your system is losing air. If a repair makes sense and will solve your comfort issues, we'll handle it. If the damage is too extensive, I'll tell you that too, so you aren't throwing money at a system that needs more than a patch.
Local HVAC considerations
Pico-Robertson (90035)
CSLB #1073586
(323) 970-3113
The Hidden Cost of Leaky Ducts in LA Homes
The Department of Energy estimates that typical residential duct systems lose 20–30% of conditioned air through leaks before it reaches the living space. In Los Angeles, where AC runs heavily from May through October, that means you're paying to cool your attic rather than your living room every summer. Duct repair is one of the highest-return HVAC improvements a Los Angeles homeowner can make — and it directly addresses the most common cause of comfort complaints (uneven temperatures, rooms that are always too hot or too cold).
In Pico-Robertson, we deal with a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and small multifamily buildings. Many of these properties have older HVAC systems where the ductwork has been compromised by remodels, crushed flex duct from attic traffic, or simple age-related deterioration. We specifically look for disconnected runs, leaky boots, and damaged insulation that forces your equipment to work harder than it should.
Ductwork in Pico-Robertson Homes
Pico-Robertson has a unique mix of housing, from older single-family homes to newer remodels. The age of your home often dictates the type of ductwork we find. In older homes, we often see sheet metal ducts that have lost their seal at the joints, while newer remodels sometimes feature flex duct that has been kinked or crushed during construction, severely restricting airflow.
Because of the density of the neighborhood and the variety of building styles, access is often the biggest challenge. We check electrical, duct condition, and equipment placement before recommending any repair. If your ducts are buried under layers of insulation or tucked into tight crawl spaces, we have to be practical about what can be reached and sealed effectively.
Our Diagnostic Process
We don't start by selling you a repair. We start by measuring. We look at airflow at your registers, inspect accessible ductwork, and perform a duct pressurization test (duct blaster test) to quantify exactly how much leakage exists. This gives us a baseline.
Once we have the data, we show you what we found. We identify the specific leaks—whether it's a disconnected take-off in the attic or a torn inner liner—and provide a written estimate. You'll know exactly what we're going to do and why it matters before we touch your equipment.
Repair vs. Replacement
I get asked all the time: 'Leo, should I fix these ducts or just replace them?' The answer depends on the condition of the existing material. If the ducts are structurally sound but have some loose joints or small tears, a repair is usually the right move. We can seal those up with mastic and get your system running efficiently again.
However, if the ductwork is falling apart, heavily contaminated, or undersized for your current equipment, patching it is just a waste of your money. If I see that the duct system is fundamentally failing, I will tell you that replacement is the better long-term investment. My job is to make sure you aren't paying for a repair that won't last.
Understanding Costs
Duct repair costs vary based on the severity of the leaks and how hard they are to reach. A simple reconnection of a flex duct in an accessible attic is much cheaper than a full-system sealing project. We provide written estimates for all work so there are no surprises.
For systems where manual repair isn't feasible due to limited access, we offer Aeroseal. This process uses a mist of adhesive particles to seal leaks from the inside. It's a great solution for older homes in Pico-Robertson where the ductwork is hidden behind walls or in tight ceiling cavities.
Access and Scheduling
We know your time is valuable. When we schedule a visit, we come prepared to inspect the entire system. Because we are a local contractor, we understand the layout of homes in the 90035 area. We coordinate with you to ensure we have the access we need to get the job done right the first time.
Whether it's a targeted repair or a more involved sealing process, we keep you informed throughout the day. We don't leave until the work is verified and we've shown you the difference in airflow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake I see is homeowners trying to tape up ducts with standard duct tape. It doesn't last. The heat in an LA attic will dry out the adhesive in weeks, and you'll be right back where you started. Proper duct repair requires mastic sealant or specialized foil tape that can handle temperature fluctuations.
Another mistake is ignoring the return side of the system. People focus on the supply registers because that's where the air comes out, but if your return ducts are leaking, you're pulling in hot, dusty air from your attic. That ruins your indoor air quality and makes your AC work twice as hard.
Health and Safety
Duct leaks aren't just about efficiency; they're about the air you breathe. If your return ducts are leaking in the attic, they are pulling in insulation fibers, dust, and potentially mold spores, and blowing them directly into your living room. Sealing those leaks is one of the best things you can do for your home's indoor air quality.
As a licensed C-20 contractor (CSLB #1073586), we take safety seriously. We ensure that all repairs meet code requirements and that we aren't creating new problems, like backdrafting issues, when we seal up a system.
Is Duct Repair Right for You?
If you're noticing uneven temperatures or high energy bills, start with a professional diagnostic. We'll measure the leakage and tell you exactly what's going on. If the system is worth repairing, we'll give you a clear, written estimate.
If you're ready to get your home's airflow back on track, give LC Heating & Air a call at (323) 970-3113. We'll come out, take a look at your specific situation, and give you an honest recommendation.
How the visit works
We measure airflow at registers, inspect accessible ductwork, and perform duct pressurization testing to quantify leakage.
We identify the specific leaks and damage and present a repair scope with written pricing before any work begins.
We access damaged sections and seal with mastic, reconnect disconnected flex duct, and repair torn inner liners.
We re-test duct leakage after repair and measure airflow at registers to confirm improvement.
Cost factors we review before quoting
- • Accessibility of ductwork in attic or crawl space
- • Total square footage of the home
- • Type of duct material (flex vs. sheet metal)
- • Extent of damage (minor leaks vs. full system failure)
- • Method of repair (manual sealing vs. Aeroseal)
Useful next steps
Our duct repair process in Pico-Robertson
Reviewed by Leo, Owner & Lead Technician
This duct repair guide for Pico-Robertson is reviewed for practical HVAC accuracy by Leo at LC Heating & Air. LC Heating & Air holds California CSLB C-20 HVAC license #1073586 and provides written estimates before approved work.
What Pico-Robertson customers say about duct repair
Verified reviews from homeowners in Pico-Robertson and nearby neighborhoods who used our duct repair service.
“Had LC install a Daikin mini split in our 1940s bungalow that never had AC. The work was clean, the unit is incredibly quiet, and our bedroom finally stays cool in summer. Highly recommend.”
“We converted our garage into an ADU and needed HVAC. LC installed a Mitsubishi single-zone mini split — permits, electrical, everything. The unit is so quiet you can barely hear it running. Our tenant loves it.”
“Got a 3-zone Daikin system for our craftsman home — bedrooms upstairs, living room downstairs. Each room has its own temperature control and the monthly electric bill is actually lower than our old window units combined.”
