Benefits of Duct Sealing Installation

If you’re like most people, you haven’t given much thought to your home’s HVAC ducts. Though they’re important components of any home system, ducts are out of sight and usually out of mind. It isn’t until issues arise that most homeowners ever give their ducts a second thought. Duct sealing, in particular, is often overlooked when people decide to upgrade their home energy system.

Air ducts create passages for heated and cooled air to be distributed from one room to the next. When these pathways have gaps or leaks, heated or cooled air escape before reaching its destination. Ideally, air ducts work like a straw in a glass of soda. When holes are poked into the straw, it can’t perform very well. A proper duct seal can make a tremendous difference in the comfort level of your home and the performance of your HVAC system. Here are a few more benefits of duct sealing:

Duct Sealing Improves Energy Efficiency

You wouldn’t want to sip on a straw with holes in it. That wouldn’t be very efficient! You’d have to work harder to drink the same amount of fluid. The same logic applies to ducts. When you’ve got air leaking out of your ducts, your HVAC system has to push out more air to heat or cool your home to a specific temperature. Duct sealing allows you to plug any gaps or holes where air may be leaking out, whether you have rigid or flexible ductwork. This ensures that heated or cooled air is being directed where it is supposed to go, not leaking out of your ductwork.

After insulating ductwork, you’ll notice fewer drafts around your home and a system that operates more efficiently. With air directed properly, you’ll find yourself adjusting the thermostat less often and a system that doesn’t have to work as hard. It is estimated that leaky ducts result in as much as a 20 percent loss in energy efficiency. By resolving duct issues, you save your household time, money, and energy.

Not sure if you’re experiencing leaky ducts? There’s a simple way to diagnose this issue. Simply turn on your HVAC system and stand near any accessible ductwork. Place your hand over the metal. If you feel air against your hand, you’ve got a leaky duct. If your ductwork is not accessible, contact a local HVAC professional for assistance.

Duct Sealing Can Save You Money on Energy Bills

You pay good money to heat and cool your home, but if you don’t invest in duct sealing, you may be wasting more money than you realize. By eliminating gaps and leaks, you ensure that your HVAC system is directing warm or cool air where you want it. Fail to do so, and your system will have to work harder to reach your desired temperature. This means more energy is required, and a higher utility bill at the end of each month.

Once your ductwork is properly sealed, you may see significant savings on your monthly energy costs. You can track the difference by checking monthly usage on your utility bill, use an energy usage monitor, or downloading one of several energy tracking apps available. If you’re considering installing new heating and cooling equipment, your insulated ductwork may allow you to downsize to a more affordable HVAC system that provides more effective heating and cooling.

Duct Sealing Improves Indoor Air Quality

Duct sealing can also keep contaminants and pollutants at bay. This can be a real lifesaver for anyone who experiences asthma or allergies. Fumes from garden and household chemicals, insulation particles, pet dander, and dust can swirl through your duct system, causing coughing, sneezing, and other symptoms. Sealing ducts reduces the risk of pollutants entering and circulating through your space. Reduced allergy symptoms and improved respiratory health are important benefits of proper ductwork installation.

Of course, if you’re hoping to improve overall indoor air quality beyond duct sealing, there are additional steps you can take. Air purifiers can do wonders to eliminate contaminants and keep the air feeling fresh. Above all else, though, you’ll want to prioritize proper ventilation. Always use your stove fan when cooking, and open windows on occasion to allow fresh air to circulate.

Duct Sealing Can Increase the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

When your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to meet your desired temperature range, its life is extended. Keep in mind that the average HVAC lifespan can range between 10 and 25 years. To maximize the life of your unit, you’ll want to find the most efficient ductwork and invest in preventative HVAC maintenance. Considering the average cost of an HVAC system can run between $5,000 and $12,000, you’ll definitely want to do all you can to extend your current unit’s lifespan.

Proper maintenance can also go a long way in preserving the integrity of your system. Simply checking your refrigerant levels, cleaning your coils, changing filters, and lubricating moving parts can do wonders to keep your HVAC unit functioning effectively and efficiently. At the very least, make regular filter changes a part of your home maintenance routine.

Duct Sealing Is a Relatively Simple and Inexpensive Home Improvement Project

Given how impactful the results can be, you might expect duct sealing to be expensive or complicated. In reality, it’s often as simple as positioning duct sealing tape over the most obvious gaps. However, avoid using duct tape. It’s not fire or smoke rated, so it won’t hold up for very long. Instead, make sure to use a product designed specifically for sealing ducts.

If duct sealing tape doesn’t fix the issue, mastic duct sealant can be used. This is a bit more labour intensive but far more effective than tape. You can apply it with a paintbrush or caulk gun. Not up to a DIY project? There are plenty of reputable contractors ready to assist.

Aire Serv professionals are committed to helping you seal ducts around your home. Our HVAC services are the definition of comprehensive. A search for Aire Serv HVAC services near me will lead to our experts in your area, so contact us today! You can request an appointment online or call, and we’ll be happy to discuss ductwork installation, duct sealing, and any other HVAC services you may need!