Maintaining the Efficiency of Sealed Ducts for Long-Term Comfort

Insulating, sealing air, and placing ductwork inside your home's conditioned space can help reduce energy losses. Leaky air ducts can significantly reduce energy efficiency, so it is essential to identify and seal any leaks and insulate the ducts to ensure that the air conditioning system does not have to work harder than necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature. To achieve a new level of home comfort, sealing your ducts and other plumbing services in Staunton, Virginia is recommended. Start by sealing air leaks with putty or metal tape and insulate any ducts you can access (such as those in attics, mezzanines, unfinished basements, and garages).Qualified professionals should be hired to seal and insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces to guarantee that the proper sealing materials are used.

Before sealing the flexible ducts with putty tape, connect all the components and fix the inner lining with an elastic nylon band. Spraying is a method of sealing ducts that does not require tearing down walls or ceilings or accessing ducts in hard to reach places. Sealing the ducts to prevent leaks is even more important if the ducts are located in an area without air conditioning, such as an attic or ventilated mezzanine. A duct test combines a small fan and a pressure gauge to pressurize a home's duct system and measure air leaks from the ducts. Even well-sealed and insulated ducts leak and lose some heat, which is why many new energy-efficient homes place the duct system inside the home's conditioned space.

However, in a typical home, 20 to 30 percent of the air that passes through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Operate the system and feel the joints of the ducts to which you have access, and then seal the joints with putty, sticky paint or adhesive tape on the back. Professional air duct cleaning involves removing dust, dirt, and other contaminants from the ducts. This helps maintain their effectiveness over time. To ensure that your sealed ducts remain efficient for years to come, it is important to regularly inspect them for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

If any issues are found, they should be addressed immediately.