What Is Air Duct Sealing?

During hot summers and cold winters, one of the most important parts of your house is an HVAC system, as it helps you to easily overcome these harsh weather conditions. As your HVAC system is highly used during this weather, you will see that these systems will experience wear and tear, which will lead to a negative impact on the ability of your HVAC system to function. The wear and tear that usually occurs in an HVAC system is due to the air duct. If your air duct is not properly sealed, then there are chances that your HVAC system is not working efficiently.

For this, there is a need to do regular maintenance and inspections so that your heating and cooling system functions properly. An air duct is a collection of tubes or pipes that are responsible for carrying heated or cooled air to different parts of your house or commercial building. These air ducts ensure that there is proper airflow in your indoor spaces. These air ducts are made of different types of material, such as fiberglass, galvanized steel, aluminum, or flexible plastic.

You may also check What Is An HVAC System And How Does It Work?.

What Is Air Duct Sealing?

An air duct sealing is a process in which you repair your air duct leaks, gaps, or loose connections. An air duct sealing is a process in which you repair your air duct leaks, gaps, or loose connections. This is done to increase the efficiency of your HVAC system, and by doing this, you will save energy costs. These air ducts are very important for heating and cooling your home because they allow air from the air conditioner or heater to travel into the house.

These ducts are spread throughout the home and have been designed to be airtight to stop leaks. But as time passes, the joints connecting ducts loosen and make holes, allowing air to leak out before it reaches its destination. When there are leaks in your air duct, then your HVAC system has to work harder, which increases the energy bills. These leaky ducts also fluctuate the temperature, and as a result, there is no consistent temperature in your indoor spaces.

Why Air Duct Sealing Is Necessary

Air duct sealing is important to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. The main task behind sealing duct is to find and fix leaks, holes, or gaps in the air ducts that carry air throughout your home. These problems may result in poor air quality, increased utility costs, and energy waste. As time passes, ducts may get damaged from insects, poor installation, or simply regular use. These issues can impact airflow and result in inconsistent temperatures if they are not properly checked. By sealing your ducts, you may increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems and enhance the comfort and quality of the air in your house.

Benefits Of Air Duct Sealing

Air duct sealing improves the efficiency and comfort of your house in a number of ways. Here are some of the benefits through which you can know th importance of sealing leaky ductwork.

1. Save Money

Once you have properly sealed your air duct, it will prevent air from escaping, which means your HVAC system does not have to work harder. As a result, it reduces the waste of energy, which will reduce the energy bills. You can even extend the life of your system by sealing your ducts. Duct sealing can be a very cost-effective choice for your house as it will help you save more money as time passes by.

2. Better Airflow

When your HVAC air duct sealing is done properly, then the air will move more freely and consistently throughout your indoor space. This ensures that each room gets the right amount of heating or cooling and there is no uneven distribution of temperature. As there will be proper airflow in your house, you will feel more comfortable, and the temperature will also remain consistent.

3. Improves Air Quality

Sealing air ducts prevents dust, dirt, and other allergens from getting into the ventilation system in your house. As a result, the air that passes into your indoor space becomes cleaner and healthier. It is very helpful for people who have respiratory conditions or allergies since it lowers the amount of dangerous airborne particles present in the air.

4. Better Comfort Control

The ability of your HVAC system to maintain constant temperatures in your house increases when your ducts are sealed. If there are fewer leaks present in the air ducts, then your system can very efficiently control the temperature of your indoor space; moreover, there will be no temperature fluctuations, which will improve the overall comfort level in your house.

5. Improved HVAC Efficiency

If your air duct is sealed properly then it will not allow the heated or cooled air to escape from it which will increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. This helps the system run smoothly and reduces the damage to your system. As a result, it will increase the lifespan of your HVAC system and save maintenance expenses.

How Does An Air Duct Sealing Works

Here are some of the ways through which you can know how air duct sealing is done.

1. Mastic Sealant

Mastic sealant is a thick, sticky paste used for mastic air duct sealing. It is applied directly to cracks, gaps, or leaks in the ductwork. Once it dries, it forms a flexible and durable seal, preventing air from escaping and ensuring the ductwork stays energy-efficient.

2. Spray Foam

Spray foam expands when applied, making it perfect for filling larger gaps or hard-to-reach areas in ducts. Once hardened, it forms a strong seal that blocks air leaks. This improves energy efficiency by stopping conditioned air from escaping and keeping your HVAC system running smoothly.

3. Aeroseal

Aeroseal uses sealing particles that are sprayed inside the ductwork. These particles stick to the edges of leaks and close them from the inside. It’s an effective way to seal small or hidden leaks without the need for extensive manual repairs, improving system efficiency.

4. Metal Tape

Metal tape is a durable adhesive tape designed for ductwork. Unlike regular tape, it withstands heat and doesn’t lose its hold over time. It’s easy to apply and provides a reliable, airtight seal for joints and cracks, preventing air from leaking out.

5. Caulk

Caulk is a flexible sealant used for small cracks or seams in ducts. It is quick and easy to apply, drying fast to form an airtight seal. Caulking helps eliminate air leaks, ensuring that the HVAC system operates efficiently without losing conditioned air.

Steps Through Which You Can Seal Your Air Ducts

No matter the method, air duct sealing involves these key steps:

Step 1: Inspection

Whenever you feel that your air duct is leaking the first step that you have to do is to thoroughly check your entire air duct sealing. There might be cracks or leaks present in the air duct that you might be not aware of. In case your air duct is leaking first you need to know the places where there are gaps and cracks.

Step 2: Cleaning

Once you completely inspect the entire air duct, now is time to properly clean the air duct. After cleaning the air duct, the dirt and dust will be removed, and once it is clean, you can very easily see the leaks, gaps, or holes if there are any. This step is very important for the new seal to properly get attached to the duct. Regular cleaning of your air ducts can prevent buildup and improve air quality, as outlined in Signs Your Air Duct Needs Cleaning.

Step 3: Sealing

All identified leaks in the air duct system are sealed using any of the techniques that you will find appropriate. This may involve the use of metal tape, spray sealants, Caulk, or mastic. The major objective is to seal the leaky air duct and ensure an effective air duct seal that can efficiently stop the unfiltered air from passing through.

Step 4: Verification

After sealing, your air duct verification takes place to make sure the work was completed properly. Some of the techniques through which you can know that there are no leaks left in the air duct are to check the airflow measurement and pressure testing. By doing so, you can be satisfied that your ducts are no longer leaking, and they will operate effectively and save energy.

What Causes Leaks In Air Ducts?

Leaks in air ducts can decrease your system's efficiency and increase energy bills. Here are common causes of duct leaks:

1. Dirty Air Filter

A dirty or clogged air filter can be one of the main causes of your HVAC system to work harder. When an air filter is blocked, it creates pressure within the air duct, which can lead to leaks. As a result, your system will become less effective, the airflow level will decrease, causing inconsistent temperatures and waste of electricity in the house.

2. Poor Installation

If air ducts are not properly installed, then there are chances that the ducts are not properly sealed. The type of leaks that come from poor installation are gaps between the parts or the ducts that are not properly connected to each other. This happens when the ducts are improperly insulated or the system is not properly aligned, which makes it more difficult for the system to move the air consistently.

3. High Humidity

High humidity can lead to moisture inside the ducts, especially when the quality of insulation is poor. The moisture that comes due to condensation can weaken the joints of the air duct, which can lead to leaky ducts. These leaks can have a negative impact on the system as they will affect the temperature and airflow. As a result, the efficiency of the system will decrease, and it will have to work harder.

4. Pests

When pests, such as insects or rats, chew the air ducts or their insulating material, they can damage the ducts. This may result in gaps or holes that allow air to pass through. These leaks that are created by pests not only cost energy, but may also lead to poor air quality by allowing dust, debris, or even bugs to enter the ducts.

Conclusion

Sealing air ducts is a simple but important step to ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently and provides improved air quality. Fixing leaks or holes in your ductwork sealing ensures that air circulates smoothly throughout your house, and this will help you avoid wastage of electricity and even eventually lower the heating and cooling expenses. By properly sealing your air ducts, you can reduce the spread of dust, allergies, and other pollutants, and this will help you create a cleaner and healthier atmosphere.

If you want to lower utility costs, investing in ductwork sealing can be an excellent choice. For those who are looking for an HVAC air filter then Custom Filters Direct offers you a wide range of option. You can choose the air filter size that suits your requirements since we also offer you a custom-size air filter that can properly fit into your HVAC system. To know more about it you can contact us at (877) 628-1057.

MERV 8 Air Filters

MERV 11 Air Filters

MERV 13 Air Filters

Frequently Asked Questions