With summer just around the corner, you’ve probably already made sure that your air conditioner is in good enough shape to cope with the added stress. However, have you made sure that your duct system is just as ready? The ductwork of a home has a huge impact on the efficiency of your climate control systems, as well as the overall comfort of your home. Read on to find out more about why duct sealing is necessary.
Duct Leaks
Ducts may seem like sturdy constructions, but they’re not. In fact, ductwork is extremely vulnerable to developing leaks over time. Though each individual leak tends to be small, they add up quite quickly. The US Department of Energy has estimated that the average forced air system loses as much as 30% of its output to duct leaks. So, if you haven’t ever had your ducts sealed, it’s possible that nearly a third of your system’s output is going to waste. That forces the system to stay on for longer to achieve the same temperature changes, which makes your home both less comfortable and more expensive to operate. Duct sealing will help restore that lost output, benefitting your indoor climate and your wallet.
Duct Sealing
Normally, ducts are sealed by painting mastic into the leaks. Mastic is a type of epoxy that stiffens once dry. It’s strong enough to seal the leak, but flexible enough to move with the ducts without cracking. Depending on the severity of the leak, regulation metallic duct tape may be used to supplement the mastic. Normal duct tape is, ironically, not good at all for duct sealing.
Douglas Cooling & Heating offers a full range of duct sealing services throughout Vestavia, AL. If you need duct sealing services of any kind, call today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
