Statistics show that nearly 90% of homes in the US use air conditioning. Most homes now have an HVAC system that can create both cold and hot air year-round.
If your home has an HVAC system, you may be worried about your ductwork. An HVAC system relies on ductwork to transport hot and cold air.
Homeowners commonly need duct sealing to help this ductwork work more efficiently. This guide will help you understand why this is important for indoor air quality.
Keep reading to find out if you need duct sealing for your home.
What is Duct Sealing
If you are worried about air quality, you need to consider your HVAC. These systems aren’t usually a problem as long as they are maintained.
But issues can arise if your ducts are not sealed correctly. This can happen from wear and tear, or your ductwork has grown old.
Duct sealing is when duct mastic is used to seal around the ductwork. This helps to close off small gaps around the ducts that let out the air.
This helps to prevent air from escaping the ductwork when you use your HVAC. It is very important to keep on top of this since the gaps can become larger over time.
This will result in more air escaping each time your HVAC kicks on.
Benefits of Duct Sealing
HVAC systems come with a lot of maintenance necessities. It is important to keep on top of your system so that it stays in good condition.
Part of caring for your HVAC is maintaining the ductwork. This is not a DIY job you should try doing as you need experience.
If you need your ducts sealed, it is better to hire a company like It’s Your Heating and Cooling Guy.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
There are all kinds of things in your home you don’t want to breathe in. The duct system goes through your home in the walls and the ceiling.
When your ducts have leaks, it creates polluted air. This polluted air is then carried into the rest of your home, bringing down the air quality.
Not only is this bad for your health, but it can also cause a great deal of discomfort. If you have a condition like asthma or allergies, it can be very irritating.
You may end up breathing exhaust fumes or particulates from the inside of your walls. Some examples include mold, mildew, and pollen particulates.
Sealing the ducts ensures the air you are getting is clean. This improves the indoor air quality and helps to keep pollutants outside.
Preserves Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is quite an investment in the comfort of your home. That is why it is so important to make sure it stays in good condition.
If you have leaks in your ducts, this puts your HVAC at risk. It is going to have to work much harder to circulate air as so much of it is being lost.
Your HVAC will have to kick on much more frequently to make up for this. This puts a strain on its system, shortening its lifespan over time.
It is also important to think about the energy consumption this produces. Your home will be consuming much more energy as it struggles to heat or cool your home.
This is because you are losing so much air that you are paying for. This is not eco-friendly, and it is not good for your budget.
Increases Comfort
You have your HVAC system to make your home more comfortable. This makes the summer heat durable and gives you a cozy place to live in winter.
Duct sealing ensures you can continue to enjoy the comfort of your home’s temperature. If you had leaks in your ducts, this would create a less pleasant environment.
Your HVAC most likely would not be able to maintain your desired temperature. This is especially common during times of extreme heat or cold weather.
How to Know if You Need Duct Sealing
When it comes to the ductwork in your home, you may be a bit concerned. This is a common concern for homeowners since you can’t see the ductwork yourself.
The good news is that there are some common signs when something is wrong. As long as you stay aware, you should know if there is an issue with your duct system.
Here are some common signs that your ducts are leaking air:
Uneven Temperature
Having air leaking means that air isn’t reaching the vents in your home. Because of this, the air coming out of the vents is going to be quite weak.
It won’t be coming out at full power, helping to heat or cool your home down. This is going to create an uneven temperature throughout the rooms in your home.
One room may be the perfect temperature while the rest of the house is uncomfortable. This is because most of the air is lost during delivery.
Strange Noises
For most homeowners, you shouldn’t be aware when your HVAC is working. A high-quality system should run quietly and not disturb you in your home.
An indication of leaky ducts is when you start to notice unusual noises. These noises are often coming from the vents, creating whistling or hissing sounds.
These noises occur as air escapes through areas of the duct system. You may also notice noises as the HVAC system is pushing harder to get the air out.
You will probably hear your HVAC kicking on more often than usual. This on its own, is a sign that something is not working the way that it should.
Energy Loss
Most homeowners have a good idea of what their energy bill is. It fluctuates throughout the year as your energy usage goes down or increases.
Because of this, you should be able to notice if your energy bill is rising. This may happen when it starts getting hot in summer, and your AC is kicking on.
But you need to pay attention to how high your energy bills are over time. If it suddenly starts to skyrocket, this could be a sign of energy loss.
Your HVAC may have to work harder to maintain the temperature of your home as the duct system is leaking. That is why it is more affordable to hire an expert.
They can quickly fix the problem so that your energy consumption goes back down. It also helps with long-term savings since your HVAC system won’t wear out so soon.
Strange Smells
A well-maintained HVAC system should run cleanly. If you start to notice strange smells when the AC starts, this could be an indication of a duct problem.
Duct leaking can cause strange smells as the air is polluted. Things like mold and mildew in the air can cause a musty and dirty smell.
Chemicals and exhaust fumes can cause a metallic smell that is very unpleasant. This is a sign that you should schedule a check-up as soon as possible.
For some people, it can be unsafe to breathe in this air as it can trigger other health issues.
How Often Should Ductwork Be Checked?
If you want good indoor air quality, you need to take preventative steps. One of these steps is to make sure you are having your duct system inspected yearly.
Experts advised that this is only necessary once a year. But you may need to hire an expert if you notice any of the above warning signs.
An HVAC contractor can examine your duct system to check for damage or build-up. They can also check your HVAC system entirely to make sure there are no other issues.
Remember to always change your HVAC filter to help improve the air quality. You should also clean your vents every few months when you notice them becoming dirty.
These are all great ways to improve your air quality and keep your HVAC maintained.
Duct Sealing: How it Impacts Air Quality
Are you hearing strange noises or losing energy from your HVAC system? If so, you may need duct sealing to block off any gaps in the duct system.
Gaps can occur from wear and tear or age. These gaps lead out air, raising your energy bill and lowering your indoor air quality.
That is why it is important to have the duct system inspected yearly.
Do you need someone to seal your ductwork? Contact us today at It’s Your Heating and Cooling Guy to schedule a service.
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