Can Duct Sealing Delay Duct Replacement?

Duct replacement is a costly and time-consuming process, but did you know duct sealing can increase the lifespan of your ductwork? According to Forbes,  it can cost over $5,000 to replace air ducts. However, based on data from Angi, duct sealing can cost less than half that or even as little as $500. You can save money and avoid disruptions at home by scheduling a duct sealing service. But just how does it delay duct replacement?

Duct Leaks Are Caused by Duct Damage

Sealing ductwork can be seen as a form of preventative maintenance. This is not only because contamination that enters through holes, cracks, and loose connections can clog your ducts or damage your HVAC system. It also helps address minor damage.

For example, a small pinhole or crack in a metal duct will get bigger due to corrosion, the force of air, or vibrations in the system. Flexible ducts are even more vulnerable. If there’s an air leak, the integrity of the metal coil can be compromised until it bends, cutting off airflow, or cracks down the middle. These ducts can also become crushed, twisted, or otherwise damaged in a way that could be avoided with regular duct inspections and sealing.

Additional Benefits of Duct Sealing

Duct sealing can prevent further damage. It can also delay duct replacement by:

• Reducing wear and tear that can shorten duct life.

• Preventing moisture that can lead to corrosion.

• Limiting friction and vibration that strain duct material.

• Reducing pressure that can trigger more leaks.

• Addressing the effects of thermal expansion.

Expansion and contraction of metal ducts can cause problems over time. This occurs when materials heat up and cool down, meaning when your AC is turned off or the furnace is turned on, warmer conditions cause the metal to expand. It then contracts when things cool down again. Eventually, the strain and friction can create holes and gaps in ducts.

Additionally, contamination can lead to mold, rust, and pest infestations. If severe enough, the problem can require duct replacement. However, duct sealing can address minor damage so the situation doesn’t affect your entire duct system. 

How Is Duct Sealing Performed?

Many people believe duct tape can be used to seal HVAC ducts. Traditional duct tape does not properly seal them, although special adhesive tapes and mastic can seal small gaps and holes. However, the best approach is to hire a professional. They can identify leak points in ducts throughout your home.

Once leaks in air ducts are found, a technician can determine how to address them. Options include applying a sealing material outside a duct or insulating ductwork. An HVAC contractor may also blow a specially formulated material into the duct system, automatically sealing hidden leaks from within.

What Are the Signs My Air Ducts Need to Be Sealed?

Duct sealing is most likely to delay duct replacement if issues are found in time. To schedule timely service, you first need to know the signs of trouble. Aside from regular ductwork inspections, you can save by recognizing the following symptoms of ductwork leaks:

• Uneven Heating/Cooling: Is one side of your house always colder or warmer than the other side? Do you need to reset the thermostat whenever you go to another room? Leaky ducts are preventing the even distribution of air throughout your home.

• Noisy Vents: Poorly sealed ducts allow air to escape, creating a pressure vacuum that causes noises such as hissing, whistling, banging, or rattling. The noises can precede damage and larger problems in the system.

• High Bills: An increase in your monthly energy bills can mean leaky ducts are reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency. Duct sealing can not only delay duct replacement. It can also reduce your utility bills significantly.

• Foul Odors: If you notice musty odors or the smell of dust or chemicals when your HVAC system is running, your ductwork may need to be sealed. Duct sealing prevents unwanted compounds and particulates from entering your home.

• Drafty Vents: Another sign of leakage is if you feel air blowing from vents when your AC or furnace is turned off. Drafts can also be caused by poor insulation, poorly designed ducts, or wear and tear. 

Schedule Duct Sealing in Portland

If you want to properly maintain your ductwork and delay duct replacement, Sky Heating & Air Conditioning provides high-quality duct sealing in Portland and The Dalles. Our Sky Seal process seals your ductwork from the inside, minimizing leakage. We also perform precise measurements to determine how effective our process is. When complete, it can improve heating and cooling system efficiency, yield more consistent temperatures, and improve indoor air quality. To learn more or schedule service, call (503) 694-4587.