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Your home’s HVAC ducts distribute heated and cooled air to every room, so ductwork repair isn’t something to cut corners with. Comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality are all on the line. However, some ductwork repair methods aren’t as complex or costly as you might think. Repairing or sealing ductwork can entail basic methods you can DIY or call a ductwork services company for. Here are a few examples:
- Apply Foil Tape
- Mastic Sealant
- Latex Sealant
- Insulate Your Ducts
- Keep Your Vents Clear
- Duct Armor
- Aeroseal
1. Apply Foil Tape
This aluminum adhesive tape is flexible and engineered for use in HVAC applications. Foil tape is quite durable. The best option is to use Underwriters Laboratory 181 foil-backed tape. It tolerates high temperatures, resists temperature fluctuations, and isn’t a fire or smoke hazard. Applying it is simple.
If you find a small hole, place a piece of tape over it and wrap it around the duct, overlapping the tape and going around the duct again. While suited for small and large ducts, foil tape is less effective for sealing large holes.
2. Mastic Sealant
When you find a crack or gap in your ductwork, it’s not necessarily a reason to panic. Before you call an HVAC repair company, consider using mastic sealant. This versatile option is a putty-like substance that adheres well to various materials. It is suited for sealing small- to medium-sized gaps, forming an airtight seal. While taking more time and effort to apply than tape (it can be applied with a caulk gun or a paintbrush), mastic is quite durable.
For gaps larger than ¼ inch, you can combine liquid mastic with fiberglass mesh tape for more effective results.
3. Latex Sealant
This liquid sealing option requires time to cure but is easy to apply with a caulking gun. It’s a water-based sealant that adheres quite well to duct surfaces. Latex sealant stays flexible even after curing so it can accommodate duct movement. The material is also humidity- and moisture-resistant. Consider other methods for sealing large holes and gaps in ducts.
4. Insulate Your Ducts
Duct insulation generally isn’t considered a sealing method. However, it can contribute somewhat to sealing an air duct. It mainly protects ductwork from temperature fluctuations and heat loss, improving the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Insulating the interior of ductwork requires more extensive work but there are insulating materials you can install around ducts. Both methods help reduce heat loss in winter and maintain a cool airflow in summer.
5. Keep Your Vents Clear
Cleaning vents generally isn’t considered a form of repair but can have a major impact on your ductwork’s and HVAC system’s performance. Dust buildup should be cleaned to avoid airflow issues. Also, move furniture, curtains, and other items away from vents. This also improves airflow. Keeping vents clear prevents the system from working harder, which can cause damage.
How Do Professionals Seal Air Ducts?
Some ductwork repair methods are best left to the professionals. For an experienced technician, these methods are generally simple and seal your air ducts in little time:
6. Duct Armor
Duct Armor is a protective lining that’s installed inside HVAC ducts. It can seal leaks and provide insulation while increasing the durability of ducts, so they’re protected against additional damage. Duct Armor is also resistant to moisture damage and mold growth.
7. Aeroseal
Aeroseal requires minimal access to the duct system. To seal leaks, the system is pressurized, vents are closed, and a powdery material is blown in at a single vent or access point. If there are small leaks, Aeroseal creates an airtight, long-lasting seal. It’s generally effective for holes smaller than ⅝ inch. Nonetheless, this isn’t a simple ductwork repair method you can DIY; it requires training, expertise, and specialized equipment.
How Do I Know I Need Ductwork Repair?
When you need AC duct repair, you may notice your vents are dusty, temperatures vary from one room to another, or airflow is limited. Unusual noises, high energy bills, moldy odors, or insect or rodent infestations can also be signs your air ducts need to be repaired. Call a professional for a thorough evaluation and to discuss your duct sealing or repair options.
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
Using the Sky Seal process, we can quickly seal ductwork from the inside to minimize air leakage. If you’ve used DIY duct sealing methods in the past, air leakage may still be an issue; plus, more basic sealants don’t last as long. Our experienced HVAC professionals tailor a lasting solution to your ductwork system. To schedule ductwork repair and sealing in Portland, The Dalles, and surrounding areas, call (503) 676-6945 today.
