A common costly problem that ductwork often develops is leaking air. This usually happens as a result of poor installation or deterioration over time as seals between ducts weaken. If you want to avoid the consequences of losing air, you need to perform duct sealing whenever leaks develop.
Why Leaks are the Enemy
With perfect ductwork taking all the air that is heated or cooled to the various rooms around your home, your HVAC system still has to work hard. When you start losing a large fraction of that treated air before it reaches its destination, your system has to work even harder to produce more air in its place. This leads to more wear and tear and necessary repairs primarily, along with increased energy bills.
Another significant consequence of leaks is that new unfiltered air can enter your ductwork right before it is delivered to your rooms. This air isn’t always high quality, and can contain particles and microorganisms that could cause you to develop breathing issues. Secondly, mold and mildew could enter and accumulate in your ducts, causing long-term airflow and air quality issues.
How to Find and Fix Leaks
Duct sealing begins with finding any leaks in your ductwork. Try inspecting ducts wherever possible, usually in the attic or crawl spaces, for any significant leaks. Alternatively, call in an HVAC professional to find any leaks either by inspection or a duct blower test. A duct blower test will reveal the location and size of any leaks.
Once you or your technician has found a leak, you need to seal it with mastic sealant or a high quality metal tape. Note that standard gray duct tape will not hold for long. If the leak is really large or your ductwork is in poor condition, your technician may recommend that you replace it; it may be cheaper in the long run.
If you need any help with duct sealing in your Los Angeles home, contact Around the Clock Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about duct sealing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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