While checking every nook and cranny for possible air leaks, it can be easy to forget some of the bigger culprits right in our faces. Air ducts are placed throughout the house to bring heat and cool air, but they wear down after some time, developing cracks and leaks that can seriously influence the comfort level and energy usage in your home. Duct sealing is the simplest solution to this problem, but first you need to find out if your air duct system is in fact leaky.
Do You Have Leaky Air Ducts?
There are many signs that can tell you whether or not the duct system in your home is working properly or suffering from Father Time. Some indicators include:
- Visible cracks/leaks in ducts
- Rooms that don’t heat/cool like other areas
- High energy bills during the summer and winter
- Ducts that are tangled
Aside from the signs listed above, you can also have an HVAC contractor test your duct system to see if it needs sealing. Based on the results, you can then seal the ducts yourself or have a professional do it.
Benefits of Sealing Air Ducts
It’ll Bring Comfort Back
You know the room that is always too cold, too hot, or just to stuffy for anyone to relax in? Duct sealing could solve that problem. A properly working duct system will allow air to flow evenly throughout the home, so inconsistent cooling/heating will no longer be an issue.
Your energy bills will finally stop surprising you
Did you know 20-40 percent of your energy bill comes from leaky air ducts? Poorly insulated homes sap more energy than you realize, leaving you confused (and sometimes angry) with the high dollar amount of your energy bill. Sealing air ducts will allow you better control of the energy usage in your home, therefore better control of how much money is sent the energy company’s way.
Cleaner Air
Leaky air ducts pick up polluted air, carrying not only the air from your heating/cooling system but also pollutants like exhaust fumes, mildew/mold, and even pollen – which could be a serious problem for anyone with pollen allergies. Sealing air ducts will prevent dirty air from mixing in with your homes air system.
You can make duct sealing a DIY project or hire a contractor. Either way, the benefits of a properly working duct system will be felt throughout the house, your energy bills, and even through the safety level of air in your home.
It’s cool that you point out that you can reduce your home’s energy bills by having the air ducts sealed. I’d like to make my home as energy-efficient as possible this year, so I’m thinking about hiring a professional air duct sealing service this month. I’m going to search for a good provider of residential air duct sealing services in my area to employ.