A Brief Guide to How Duct Sealing Works

Fortunately, you can avoid higher energy costs by getting your ducts sealed. With the help of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician, you can get leaks found and repaired. 

What Is Duct Sealing?

Duct sealing is a process used by professional HVAC technicians to fill holes and leaks in your duct systems. Typically, they use specialized equipment to pressurize the ductwork. Then, they can measure the leakage to see how much air is escaping. 

Afterward, the HVAC technician will use special sealant particles to fill the holes in your ductwork. The sealant particles can come in liquid or aerosol form. Once it is injected into your ductwork, the sealant will flow through your system and settle near tiny holes. 

To prevent the sealant from entering your rooms, the HVAC technician must cover all of your vents before pressurizing the system. After the technician has finished sealing up the ducts, they can remove these covers so that your HVAC system can function normally again. 

If there are large gaps in your ducts, the technician will use fiberglass mesh tape to seal them up. However, excessively damaged ductwork may need to be replaced completely. 

The Advantages of Getting Your Ducts Sealed

There are many benefits to getting your ducts sealed by a professional technician. 

1. Better Air Quality

If your ducts are not sealed properly, they may allow dirt, dust, and other contaminants to get inside your home. After your ducts are repaired, you may also need to have them cleaned to prevent further dust from entering your home.

2. HVAC Longevity

When HVAC systems have leaks, they have to work harder to heat and cool your home. This means your air conditioner or heater will need to run for longer to reach the same temperature. 

Over time, this extra work adds up. You will need to perform more frequent repairs to keep your HVAC system running. Eventually, you will need to replace your HVAC system much earlier than normal.

3. Save Money

By sealing your air ducts, you can keep conditioned air inside your home. This leads to significant savings on your electricity bill. In fact, homeowners can often save 20% on energy costs by sealing ducts. Because the rest of your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to condition the air, you can also save money on repair costs.

Common Signs You Need Duct Sealing

If your ducts need to be sealed, you may notice some of the following signs. 

• Higher utility bills
• Stuffy rooms
• Hot or cold spots in your home
• Difficulties with heating and cooling your home in a timely way
• Kinks in your ductwork

Sometimes, you can easily see if you need to get your ducts sealed by simply looking at them. If your ducts are in a basement, attic, or similar space, you can inspect the ducts for tears and gaps. Pay attention to any spots that are disconnected. 

How Long Does Ductwork Last?

Your ductwork’s longevity depends on many factors. For example, high-quality materials, proper installation, and consistent maintenance can help your ducts last longer. 

As a general rule, ducts tend to last for about 10 to 15 years before they need repairs or replacements. However, well-maintained ducts can last 20 to 25 years.

Before ducts reach the end of their lifespan, they are more likely to need repairs. However, the human eye can’t see the pinpoint holes and tears that develop over time. Because of this, it is important to get professional HVAC technicians to look at your ducts. 

Why Should You Hire a Professional HVAC Technician for Duct Repairs? 

Weatherford residents can save money by hiring professional HVAC technicians for their duct repairs. These technicians have specialized equipment that ensures a better quality of results. 

1. Experience

The professional HVAC technicians at Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical have spent years installing, repairing, and replacing ductwork. Over time, we’ve learned how to diagnose common issues and what it takes for high-quality, lasting repairs. Thanks to our experience, we have developed a positive reputation among the local community. 

2. Cost

While hiring an HVAC technician may cost more upfront, it can save you money in the long run. If you try to repair ducts on your own, you could miss out on tiny leaks. This can lead to air loss, higher energy bills, and more frequent repairs. Instead of doing it on your own, you can hire HVAC professionals and save money in the long run. 

3. Fewer Repairs

Any time something causes a strain on your HVAC system, it increases the odds that you will need repairs. If your ductwork isn’t maintained properly, other parts of your HVAC system are more likely to break down. Some of these repairs, such as compressor issues, can be significantly more expensive than sealing your ducts. 

4. Comfort 

When your ducts let air escape in your attic or basement, it becomes harder to heat and cool your home quickly. You are also more likely to have hot and cold zones in your home. If you want a more comfortable place to live, you need to fix this problem. 

5. Accurate Diagnosis

Some HVAC symptoms can stem from multiple causes. By hiring a professional HVAC technician, you can be confident that you are diagnosing the problem correctly. They can also check out your HVAC system to see if there are any other problems that need to be repaired. 

6. Warranty Protection

Often, warranties require homeowners to use a professional HVAC company when they get repairs. If you have a warranty, attempting to fix your ducts on your own could void it.

What To Look for in a Ductwork Repair Company

If you’re looking for a ductwork repair company, you can start by asking your friends, family members, and neighbors for advice. Once you have a list of potential companies, you can check out their website and read Google reviews to get a better understanding of their offerings. In general, you should look at the following factors when considering an HVAC company. 

• Positive testimonials
• A long history in the industry
• Extensive service offerings
• Service area
• Customer service
• Availability

A good company will have a solid web presence with many positive testimonials from their customers. They will have a range of services so you can get all of the support you need and don’t have to get help elsewhere. Finally, the right company will be able to provide you with ductwork repairs in a timely manner. 

Learn More About Ductwork Repair and Installation Services

Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical has been serving Texas residents in Weatherford since 1983. Since then, we’ve grown to offer some of the best heating, plumbing, and electrical services in the area. Whether you need help installing heaters or a new generator, our technicians know just what to do. We also offer duct cleaning solutions, too!

For more information about Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical’s many services, give us a call today.