request service
Duct sealing is essential to ensure energy efficiency and keep the house comfortable. Airflow in a house is controlled by ductwork. Efficiency—all that cold or heated air gets to where it should go and doesn’t jam between walls or behind doors. Over time, however, leaks can form, causing considerable energy loss, higher utility bills, and poorer indoor air quality in homes.
New inside-out sealing technologies are taking over the game.
Fixing problems with your ducts will make you more comfortable, and the cleaner air you breathe will help you save energy and money.
Understanding Duct Leakage
Sealing ductwork not only saves energy and improves indoor air quality but also reduces strain on HVAC systems, which can extend their lifespan.
Highly efficient AC ducts can also reduce breakdowns and repairs. By plugging air leaks and extending comfort into all parts of the house, after an overhaul like this, all rooms will have about the same temperature.
Traditional Methods for Sealing Ductwork
The traditional sealing method for ducts usually involves tools like foil tape, mastic, or fiberglass insulation. The procedure is simple: find the leaks, seal gaps with tape or mastic, and insulate if necessary. However, there are some drawbacks.
While this method may be useful through ducts, it has limits. Sealing hidden duct sections, such as those inside walls and ceilings, is very difficult, if not almost impossible, using traditional materials, causing incomplete or temporary repairs in many cases.
The materials have a limited lifetime. Time works to wear them away, and needs regular attention. With a regular checkup, you can’t tell how long they will last. This ongoing maintenance raises questions about their durability and cost-effectiveness.
Advanced Duct Sealing Technology
In recent years, more sophisticated duct repair methods, such as Aeroseal, have been used, resulting in an effective solution. One way to do so is an inside-out sealing process, which seals both the supply and return ducts from the inside.
Upon completing the repair, homeowners will notice that their heating and cooling system works more efficiently, their fuel bills decrease, and they have a healthier living environment.
Preparing for Duct Sealing
A thorough inspection of the HVAC system is essential before sealing ductwork. The first step is to identify areas of concern, such as visible leaks, loose connections, or poorly insulated sections.
It’s also important to ensure the system is clean and well-maintained. Cleaning ducts and replacing filters can improve airflow and make sealing more effective. While DIY duct sealing is possible for minor repairs, larger issues may require professional intervention for more comprehensive results.
Professional vs. DIY Duct Sealing
Duct sealing is always a DIY task; however, homeowners may hire a professional. To seal small, accessible leaks, homeowners commonly use foil tape, mastic, and other tools.
Professional duct sealing is recommended for larger or more complex systems. Advanced aerosol sealants allow experts to achieve results that amateurs cannot. This technology gives professionals an edge, ensuring better solutions for clients.
They’ll also conduct pre and post-duct performance tests to verify the improvements in duct quality.
Gauging Sealing Effectiveness
One key benefit of professional duct sealing is that it can be tested for efficacy. Pre- and post-sealing tests, like duct pressurization or airflow tests, tell us how much leakage existed beforehand and how much was sealed afterward.
It may even surprise you that these tests can provide homeowners with concrete improvements in energy efficiency and air quality.
Additional Benefits of Proper Duct Sealing
Beyond energy savings and improved air quality, properly sealed ductwork extends the lifespan of HVAC systems by reducing strain on the equipment.
Plugging air leaks boosts system efficiency and cuts breakdowns and repairs. It also spreads comfort evenly, banishing hot and cold patches. A sealed home works smarter, not harder, saving money while keeping you cozy.
Cost Considerations
The cost of sealing air ducts can vary depending on the method used and whether you choose to hire professionals or do it yourself. When using advanced aerosol technology, professional duct sealing costs can be costly at the outset.
Over time, however, the improvement in home efficiency and lower HVAC bills balance out these initial expenses. In this way, it’s worth making such an investment. On the other hand, the DIY approach is less costly, except that you may need to sacrifice one level of effectiveness or longevity found in professional methods.
Leaky ducts lead to energy loss and worsen indoor air quality. Sealing them, using either traditional wisdom or advanced methods, increases efficiency and makes life more comfortable; for those paying utility bills or construction costs, it finally goes down, too!
Regardless of the approach, regular maintenance and proper duct sealing help provide a more comfortable, energy-efficient living space.
ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.
