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sealing air ductsLeaky air ducts create several efficiency issues for cooling, heating, indoor air quality and home efficiency in general. Read on to learn the benefits and processes of sealing air ducts, and you can boost cooling comfort in your Tampa-Clearwater home and seal in energy savings.

Seal in Savings, Comfort

The air ducts transport newly cooled airflow from the A/C to the living spaces. If this process is not efficient (i.e. with air leaks, inadequate insulation, obstructions and/or a dirty air filter), home comfort and the pocketbook suffer until the issues are remedied.

If possible, take a look at the accessible ducts in your home (typically located in the attic, crawl space and/or garage), and answer these questions:

  • Are there any fallen ducts?
  • Is there rattling or clamoring (a sure sign of loose ducts and air leaks)?
  • Are the ducts insulated?
  • Are dirt streaks visible on the insulation (another sure sign of leaky ducts)?
  • Are duct seams connected, but not sealed with metal-backed tape (no cloth-backed “duct” tape allowed)?

Sealing Air Ducts

If you answered “Yes” to any of those questions, your air ducts are costing you money every time your A/C is on. Here’s what your certified HVAC pro should do:

  • Perform a blower door test, which reveals all duct leaks, no matter how small.
  • Use Manual D to calculate proper duct sizing (if your ducts are not of best design, sealing leaks will still help immensely, but airflow, comfort and inefficiencies will linger).
  • Replace damaged ducts, and untangle any tangled-up flex ducts.
  • Seal all duct connections with mastic (gooey paste) and metal-backed tape (an aerosol-based sealant may be used in place of mastic, and sheet metal screws may be needed in places).
  • After sealing air ducts, the blower door test is used again to ensure no leakage.
  • Following the blower door test, ensure all air ducts in unconditioned spaces (e.g. attic and crawl space) are fully insulated.

For savings and comfort, sealing air ducts is equally important to keeping windows and doors closed on hot days. For more duct sealing information, please contact us at Senica Air Conditioning, Inc., Inc.

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