Your air conditioner and furnace need a network of ducts to work properly. These ducts, usually hidden in walls, basements, or attics, carry cool air in summer to different parts of your home from the central units. But, because they are tucked away, it is often tough to notice if they have leaks or other issues. A leaky duct in your HVAC system can prove costly if not looked at immediately. Read on to find out more about sealing duct leaks.
To learn more or schedule an appointment to have our professionals review your HVAC system for any leaks or inefficiencies, contact the heating and air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis today.
Signs of Leaky Air Ducts
Here are three tell-tale signs that indicate leaky air ducts:
- Higher utility bills: If your HVAC ductwork has a leak, it can cause problems with your heating and cooling systems. The air that should be going into your rooms might instead end up in places like the attic. This makes it harder to keep your home at the temperature you want, and your HVAC system has to work harder, using more energy. Even though you are not using your system more, this will cause your energy bills to go up. Not sealing duct leaks can end up being quite expensive.
- Poor indoor air quality: A leak in your ductwork can bring more dust into your home and spread harmful fumes that can make you sick. Air might get drawn from the basement or outside, bringing with it any chemicals you’ve stored in the basement. Your family might be breathing in these fumes without knowing it. So, if you smell a strong odor, it’s a good idea to check it out, as it’s possible these fumes might be leaking into your living space.
- Uneven temperature regulation: Struggling to keep your rooms cool in summer and warm in winter? Are there certain spots in your house that are unusually hot or cold? This could mean you have a leak in your air ducts. Ideally, central air systems should distribute air equally throughout your home. So, if you are noticing uneven heating and cooling, it’s often a sign of a problem. This is a typical indicator of air duct leaks, which are hard to miss. Even if you try changing the thermostat settings, it won’t help until you opt for sealing duct leaks.
How to Seal Leaky Air Ducts
If you are looking to seal your air ducts, here are some methods you can try:
Sealing Duct Leaks with Tape
Using duct tape seems like an obvious choice for sealing duct leaks, but be aware there are multiple factors to consider. Experts generally don’t recommend using common duct tape as it’s just a short-term fix and isn’t energy efficient, meaning your bills might still be high.
Instead, consider using aluminum foil tape, which is perfect for duct sealing. It is designed to create a durable seal and is generally quite sturdy. This tape performs well under heat, so application in warm weather can benefit the adherence.
Duct Mastic Sealant
Mastic air duct sealant, a paste-like substance that hardens once applied to ducts, is a superior choice. The best type to use is water-based, as it cleans up effortlessly and lasts a long time. Applying this sealant is easy – all you need is a paintbrush, although a caulk gun can also be used if you prefer. However, make sure not to mix up duct mastic sealant with regular "duct seal," as they are not the same.
Aeroseal is also another hassle-free option for sealing duct leaks.
All in all, it is very important to look up the steps for each of these methods of sealing duct leaks and identify the materials required before attempting to seal the leaky air duct. With that said, if you are a beginner and don’t know much about ductwork, it is best to leave this job to a professional. A professional can identify what exactly has caused the leaky duct and fix the issue at the root.
Get Professional HVAC Maintenance with Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis
You can count on Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis to effectively repair your leaky air ducts. Whether they’re in your attic or basement, we will thoroughly check your entire duct system for any leaks. We can also insulate your ducts if needed. We have over 70 years of experience, and our professionals are well-versed in HVAC systems and HVAC maintenance, so you can be assured of a job well done!
