Air Duct Sealing: Are Your Ducts Wasting Your Money?

According to the EPA, in the average home about 20% of the air that moves through your ducts is lost due to leaks, holes and poor connections. This results in decreased system efficiency and costs you money on your monthly energy bills. Having your ductwork sealed could save you hundreds of dollars.

Why are my ducts leaking?

Your ductwork is constantly submitted to the harsh weather conditions present in unconditioned spaces. Over time, the original seals become worn and weathered. Ducts may also leak as a result of improper installation, insufficient insulation or damage caused by pests or remodeling.

Signs it’s time to seal your ducts

Some of the symptoms of leaky ductwork include:

• High utility bills – especially in the peak of summer and winter
• Rooms that are difficult to heat or cool
• Stuffy rooms that never feel comfortable
• A dusty house – even a few days after being cleaned

Many homeowners blame their heating or cooling unit when experiencing these issues. However, leaking or improperly sealed air ducts can also be the culprits.

If you have access to your ducts, look for tangled or kinked flexible ductwork or dirty insulation around the air ducts, these are telltale signs of air leaks. You may need to also contact a professional to accurately identify the problem area(s).

Benefits of sealing your air ducts

Many homeowners invest heavily in energy efficient cooling or heating units but neglect their air ducts. Properly sealing your air ducts will result in several benefits for you and your home.

• Lower energy bills – When your air ducts are sealed, less heated and cooled air will be lost as it passes through your ductwork. This means more of that air will be going into your home and heating or cooling your rooms more efficiently.
• More comfortable rooms – Rooms that are too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter are often caused by leaking air ducts. Having your ducts sealed will increase the amount of air that reaches those rooms, increasing their comfort level.
• Improved indoor air quality – The EPA estimates that indoor air quality can be up to 100 times worse than outdoor air. Sealing your ductwork prevents pollutants entering your home through your ducts.

Stop letting your valuable air escape from your HVAC system through your ducts. Contact Service Champions today to see if your home could benefit from having your ductwork sealed.