Air duct sealing

So Does Air Duct Sealing Actually Work?

Yes! But before we can get to the air sealing, we need to start with step one, identifying air leaks. This will pinpoint the inefficiencies in the ducts and give a clear plan of action for the sealing itself.

How Are Air Leaks Identified?

Air leaks in the ductwork can be very challenging to identify. Unlike windows or doors, ductwork runs throughout the house – in the attic, basement, walls, and ceilings. Homes usually have between 30 and 90 feet of ductwork installed in them which makes inspection and identification of air leaks difficult to accomplish.

Professionals have the means to identify air leaks in air ducts more efficiently than most DIY homeowners. They use foam to seal off the ducts and force air out of the leaks or cracks. This allows them to identify the specific location(s) where air leakage is occurring.

Air Duct Sealing: The Basics

Similar to performing the inspection, having a professional seal your air ducts will likely save you a lot of time and frustration. Basic air duct sealing can be done as a DIY with aluminum duct tape and a sealing mastic. However, if there are multiple leaks or any large air leaks, then having a professional install the air duct sealing is likely a more long-term and sustainable option.

In addition to using aluminum duct tape and sealing mastic, insulation can be installed around the ductwork to minimize any heat loss to the air around the duct. This also acts as an additional barrier to air leakage. (Make sure that you never use regular duct tape to seal air ducts. It can be unsafe and is not sustainable.)

There are some specialized air duct products  such as Aeroseal which are designed to seal entire systems and not just a few leakage points. These are liquids that are sprayed into the air ducts and solidify upon coming into contact with a solid material (the air duct itself). This seals off any and all air leakage points within the system without damaging the mechanicals attached or sealing off the vents. A product like Aeroseal will fill even the smallest leakage points in the hardest-to-reach places, making it very effective.

Luckily, a professional can help you determine the severity of your air leakage within your air ducts and identify the best plan of action for sealing them. If you do not have a lot of experience working with air ducts, hiring a professional can be more efficient and effective in the long term.