What is a common effect of duct leakage in a home?

Duct leakage in a home significantly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One common effect of this leakage is uneven temperature distribution throughout the house. When ducts develop leaks, conditioned air can escape before reaching the intended rooms, leading to areas that are too hot or too cold. This temperature imbalance can cause discomfort for the occupants and make it difficult to maintain a consistent and pleasant indoor climate.

Moreover, when there's duct leakage, the HVAC system must work harder to compensate for the loss of airflow, which can lead to increased energy consumption and wear on the system. This contrasts with the concept of enhancing energy efficiency, which is not typically a result of duct leakage but rather the opposite. Similarly, duct leakage does not usually lower humidity levels effectively; in fact, it can lead to increased humidity in certain areas as outside air infiltrates improperly. Lastly, reduced outdoor noise is not a direct benefit of duct leakage; in many cases, leaking ducts can actually allow more external sounds into the home due to the loss of pressurization and poor sealing. Hence, the correct choice illustrates the predominant impact of duct leakage on indoor thermal comfort.