Some homeowners opt to take on duct sealing as a DIY project. To start, seal air leaks with putty or metal tape and insulate any ducts that are accessible (such as those in attics, tight spaces, unfinished basements, and garages). Never use adhesive tape, as it won't last long. When sealing air ducts, we recommend using putty sealant.
Ironically, duct tape is not a good choice, as it starts to come off quickly. If you prefer to use adhesive tape instead of putty sealant, look for aluminum tape specifically designed for HVAC. Generally speaking, the best way to seal ducts is to hire a professional to internally seal the entire duct system. This means that it would take you 3 to 4 years to pay the additional cost of hiring a company like Aeroseal to seal your air ducts.
Professional duct sealing companies use special technology to seal all duct connections from the inside. Most homeowners don't think about sealing their home's air ducts, but the process is essential for maintaining your home's energy efficiency. Once you know the process and have determined that duct sealing is the best solution for your home, you can decide whether hiring a professional or DIY is more your style. Duct sealing is one of those projects where homeowners often ask if they can do it themselves or if they need to hire a professional.
Service Champions is a professional contractor that performs duct improvement projects, including sealing, cleaning, installation, repair, and maintenance. They will then pressurize the duct system with a fan and use a computer to analyze the data and determine the amount of air leaving the ducts. Even perfectly sealed and insulated ducts lose some heating and cooling, especially if they are located in unconditioned areas of the house, such as attics and tight spaces. You probably don't need this type of service unless your ducts are very old and difficult to repair or replace.
If you're looking for more information on duct sealing for your home or business, contact the professionals at Service Champions. Either way, having your ducts properly sealed will help you balance your home's air temperature and improve air quality. Answering yes to all, some, or even one of the above questions is an indication to discuss duct sealing with your local HVAC company. According to the EPA, “about 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts”.
