Leaky air ducts can be a real problem, causing your HVAC system to work harder and less efficiently than it should. It can lead to higher energy bills, reduced air quality, and an overall decrease in the comfort level of your home. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to seal leaky air ducts and improve the performance of your HVAC system.
This article will provide five tips for sealing leaky air ducts, including identifying problem areas, using the right materials, and their potential downsides. By following these tips, you can save money on your energy bills, improve the air quality in your home, and enjoy a more comfortable living space. So, if you’re ready to tackle those leaky air ducts, read on for our top tips and tricks and reach out to duct sealing near me Poseyville, IN.
Aeroseal Duct Sealant
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Sealing leaky air ducts is challenging, especially when dealing with leaks under drywall. If this is your current situation, your best bet is to use aeroseal duct sealant. However, hiring a professional for this procedure would be best. A trained technician will pressurize the ducts and block all the vents and registers. Pressurizing the ducts is vital for identifying leaks in the system. During this procedure, the technician will use computer technology to identify gaps and cracks invisible to the naked eye. Here’s a video on how aeroseal duct sealing is done:
The reason for using computer technology is to help apply the correct amount of sealant. It prevents wastage and saves time since there won’t be a big mess to take care of afterward.
Sealing leaky air ducts using aeroseal ensures that all the rooms’ temperature is stabilized. This method seals both seen and unseen leaks. After the procedure, you’ll immediately notice a change in air quality.
Sealing leaky air ducts using aeroseal is the most preferred solution since it’s cost-effective, long-lasting, and provides instant results. This method reduces air leakage by almost 90 percent. It helps you save on power bills while increasing the system’s efficiency.
Use A Duct Sealing Tape
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The first method to seal leaky air ducts is duct sealing tape. The tape comes in a roll and is easily found in most hardware shops. Sealing leaky air ducts using tape is the quickest remedy, but it doesn’t provide a long-lasting solution like other methods. This method is also the messiest among others; hence you should be prepared to clean up afterward.
If your air ducts get dirty or oily quickly, sealing them with tape might not work. However, if you must use tape, settle for foil, butyl tape, or any other tape labeled UL. UL means Underwriters Laboratories, meaning the tape is ideal for residential ductwork. Avoid sealing your leaky ductwork using typical duct tape since it isn’t fire- or smoke-rated and might not offer a long-lasting solution.
Downside Of Sealing Leaky Ducts With A Tape
While this method is the fastest remedy for leaky air ducts, it has a fair share of disadvantages. With time the air will likely interfere with the tape’s adhesive, leading to disintegration. It means it won’t be long before the tape falls, and you must seal the ducts again.
Mastic Duct Sealant
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Mastic duct sealant is commonly used to seal leaky air ducts. It’s a thick, pasty solution applied to gaps in the air ducts using a caulking gun and a paintbrush. The fastest way to seal leaky air ducts using mastic sealant is to put it in a bucket and apply it to the ducts using a brush. Mastic sealant hardens immediately after application.
Experts advise using water-based mastic sealant since it’s messy and saves time since you don’t have much cleaning. When applied correctly, mastic sealant can last long. Nevertheless, using mastic sealant might not be your ideal solution if you plan to clean inside the ducts.
Downside Of Using Mastic Duct Sealant
Of course, mastic duct sealant is the best DIY remedy for leaky air ducts. It also lasts long and is cost-effective. However, using mastic sealant is tricky when attending to hard-to-reach areas. Nevertheless, mastic duct sealant could be your best option if you’re dealing with leaks in open spaces.
Combination Of Duct Tape And Mastic
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Sometimes, combining two methods would be better. This way, you ensure the solution is long-lasting. For example, you could choose to combine duct tape and duct mastic. Here’s how you should combine both:
- Use long strips of duct tape to apply longitudinal seams along the air ducts.
- Using a paintbrush, apply duct mastic along the duct joints.
- Repeat the procedure until you seal the entire duct.
Remember to apply insulation around the duct for better results.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t prioritize ductwork when it comes to renovations. As a result, the ducts fail to work correctly and leak regularly. Such vents don’t encourage efficiency and will likely use excess power, leading to substantial monthly power bills. Suppose you’re dealing with leaky air ducts. Consider one of the above-discussed sealing methods to restore your air ducts’ efficiency.
