Your home’s HVAC system is crucial to your comfort, whether you’re cranking up the heat in the middle of the winter or turning on the AC in the dead of summer. However, the complex ductwork that comes with installation is something that needs to be maintained at its highest standard year in and year out. It’s important to make sure these are properly cleaned and properly connected to assure the greatest efficiency from the unit. Here’s why it’s important to make sure your duct system is consistently sealed.
Avoiding Air Leaks
One of the benefits of duct sealing is assuring that either cold air or warm air isn’t seeping out of the ductwork. Leaks and cracks in ducts can result in poor airflow, leading you to crank up the thermostat in December or turn it down in July. This puts more pressure on HVAC equipment to operate, despite doing its best when it comes to efficiency. This can also lead to a surge in your energy bills during the busier seasons.
While it’s recommended that an HVAC professional comes in to inspect ductwork for any leaks or seepage, there are some DIY quick fixes to solve the issue temporarily. You can use a continuous strip of foil tape to seal off the seams running along the duct. From there, take a paintbrush to apply duct mastic to the joints where an elbow connects to the ducts. To apply insulation, measure the circumference of the air duct, making sure that the proper size of fiberglass insulation is put in place for you to wrap around the duct, and pinch the seam closed. Once secured with foil tape, repeat elsewhere in your ductwork.
Indoor Air Quality
Leaks in air ducts can lead to excess moisture building up in the attic where you have likely installed your HVAC system. If you’re a homeowner in Florida with concerns about your HVAC unit, you may want to look into Cocoa AC repair. The proper HVAC technician will make sure that leaky ductwork isn’t causing water to build up, causing potential structural damage to your home and floorboards, as well as the growth of dangerous mold.
If you notice a musty smell emanating from your ductwork when your air conditioner or heater is running, it could be from the presence of mold. This requires an immediate scrubbing of the area to get rid of the spores, as well as sealing that duct leakage to prevent this issue from becoming a problem again. It’s important to clean air ducts entirely to remove any possible dust or allergen accrual. This will make for a more comfortable home with better indoor air while creating less wear on your HVAC system.
Keeping Critters Out
It’s not fun to mention, but the truth is that cracks in ducts could lead to some unwelcome visitors getting inside. Mice, rats, and other critters can sneak through the leaks and settle in. This leads to mites and feces getting through the vents, impacting indoor air quality and making your home’s air far less healthy. This could also create blockages that could lead to an increase in the amount of energy being expended by the HVAC system.
Having the ductwork properly sealed will keep these guests out. The proper sealant will also reduce the risk of dangerous gases like carbon monoxide from making their way through the ductwork, spreading that invisible and odorless enemy. It’s important to maintain proper ventilation throughout your household with the help of outdoor air to assure some increase in the quality of your indoor air. Be sure to get your HVAC system and ductwork checked at least annually by a technician to monitor for any issues.
