Many homeowners neglect to seal the air ducts in their homes, but this is a vital step to maintaining an energy-efficient home. The ducts in your house are responsible for distributing heat and air conditioning throughout the rooms. However, they often have gaps that obstruct the conditioned air from reaching the intended area.
To avoid these situations, seal your ducts. You can use traditional methods (e.g., tape, mastic, and insulation) or hire an HVAC technician to blow liquid rubber sealant into the system. Properly sealed ducts can help balance your home’s air temperature and enhance air quality.
How to seal air ducts the old-fashioned way
Want to seal your air ducts the old-fashioned way? Follow these simple steps to effectively insulate and seal your ducts for increased efficiency and comfort.
- Seal all longitudinal seams of the duct with a continuous foil tape.
- Use a paintbrush and apply duct mastic at the joint where an elbow joins a duct.
- Use a utility blade to cut the foil-faced insulation to the correct size. (Add a few inches to allow the ends to be easily drawn together.
- Wrap the insulation around ducts and pinch the seams closed.
- Apply a short foil strip to the insulation and a longer strip along the seam.
- Repeat the process until all ductwork has been insulated.
- Start by removing the elbow from the duct to reveal the end.
- To prevent the insulation from getting caught, snap a cap on the end of the duct. Then, slip the pre-formed part over the duct.
- Pull the insulation gently over the length of the duct.
How to seal ductwork from the inside
Indoor duct sealing is a complex process that requires professional attention. At Superior HVAC Service, our skilled technicians will take care of the task for you. Firstly, they’ll remove the grilles on the supply and return registers and seal them with wide strips of tape and foam rubber. Then, they’ll pressurize the system with a blower and analyze computer data to determine the extent of air leaks from the ducts.
Next, our technicians will use the blower to spray a liquid rubber sealant into the ducts. This will effectively seal all air leaks. Finally, they will conduct a second test using a pressurized blower to confirm the improvements.
With our expert duct sealing services, you can enjoy improved indoor air quality and energy efficiency.