Most Florida homes have ductwork that moves cooled air in summer and heated air in winter. That network of ducts is the hidden part of the HVAC system that most people don’t worry about. The thought of sealing ductwork sounds like a waste of time and money. However, it can mean the difference between having a comfortable home or not.
The Truth About Ductwork
Ducts were never designed to last forever. Within 10 years of installation, many duct networks have noticeable gaps, leaks and even loose sections. All of those openings can send conditioned air into the attic or crawl space instead of into the home.
Most experts recommend leaving ductwork to the experts. They know how to make repairs and get those gaps sealed quickly and efficiently.
Sealing the Job
What should you expect from a contractor who is sealing ductwork in your home? The contractor should do the following:
- Perform a complete inspection of the ductwork. That means in the attic, crawl space and walls.
- Evaluate the air supply and return. Some ducts are too small to handle the air that needs to flow.
- Repair or replace damaged and undersized sections. Over time, ductwork can sustain damage or become separated. Making the duct network whole again is important for efficient airflow.
- Seal leaks and gaps. The edges of duct often have gaps that the contractor should seal with metal/foil tape. Connections can also have similar gaps that need to be sealed.
- Insulate ducts as needed. To keep the air inside the duct at optimal temperature, the ductwork should be insulated at R-6.
- Evaluate air supply and return after repairs are complete. This will show the difference that the repairs make and show if there are other issues.
Once the contractor completes the ductwork repairs, you should notice an immediate effect on your home’s comfort level.
For more information on ductwork repairs and sealing, contact Senica Air Conditioning, Inc. Inc. We’ve been serving Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater since 1993.
