When it comes to duct sealing, there are a few common methods that can be used to ensure that your home's air ducts are properly sealed. From using construction-grade seal and adhesive tape to cover cracks and holes, to using specialized sealant, putty, or HVAC duct tape to seal connections between duct sections, there are a number of ways to make sure your ducts are secure. Aluminum foil tape is one of the most popular methods for sealing leaking ductwork. To check for leaks, you can use a thin piece of toilet paper or an incense stick.
If smoke or toilet paper starts to move irregularly, you have a leaking duct. Putty sealant is another option for sealing air ducts, as is aluminum foil tape. Aeroseal is a patented technology that pressurizes the duct system and identifies and seals all leaks in it. Sealing air ducts is an important step in improving the air quality of your home and reducing energy costs.
In a typical home, between 20 and 30 percent of the air moving through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Sealing these leaks prevents dust, dirt, dander, spores and other contaminants from entering your home, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases or allergies by keeping indoor air healthier overall. When choosing a duct sealing method, you'll need to consider cost, durability, and whether you're willing to hire a professional for installation. It's always best to entrust duct sealing to professionals who can locate all leaks in your ducts and access them safely. However, if you decide to do it yourself, make sure you use quality materials and follow all safety precautions.
Especially in hard-to-reach areas, it can become almost impossible to seal the ducts with putty if there are hidden leaks behind the drywall. At the end of the day, a properly sealed duct system will improve your home's air quality, energy efficiency in circulating hot or air conditioning, and utility costs. So if you're looking for an effective way to keep your home's air clean and energy bills low, consider having your air ducts sealed by a professional.
