Categories: HVAC

5 Signs You Need to Have Your Air Ducts Sealed

Air conditioning and heating systems deliver consistent indoor comfort by distributing hot or cold air evenly throughout your home. This is done via a network of air ducts running through the walls, floors and ceilings. To ensure that your home can remain comfortable in any season — and that your HVAC system runs efficiently — make sure that the ductwork is always in good shape. This means having it checked for any leaks and having those openings sealed immediately. You’ll know it’s time because you’ll notice these warning signs. 

  1. Inconsistent heating and cooling. Perhaps you’ve noticed that some areas of your home don’t seem to get warm or cold enough, even when your HVAC system is running. This could be an indication of a duct leak which is allowing heated or cooled air to blow into the unconditioned areas in your home, such as the attic or crawlspace. This can negatively affect thermal comfort in your living space, which is why it’s so important to have leaks sealed promptly.
  1. Dust buildup. Ductwork with a leak is also letting dust and other harmful particles into the system. These particles are then circulated throughout your home, compromising indoor air quality and increasing your exposure to allergens. Does it seem like there’s no end to the dust collecting on furniture and other interior surfaces, even after you’ve just vacuumed? You should have the air ducts inspected by a trusted residential and commercial HVAC contractor like Acker Heating & Cooling.
  1. Increase in energy bills. Did you know that leaky ductwork can account for as much as 35% of your home’s energy load? This hampers the performance of your HVAC system, causing it to work overtime just to reach your desired comfort level. This, in turn, means that it will consume even more energy. Maybe you’ve noticed that your utility bills seem a bit too high for the current season, in which case, leaking ductwork could be the primary culprit.
  1. Failure to heat or cool certain rooms. In some cases, a duct leak is serious enough that conditioned air can’t reach a room at all. That’s because the leak is robbing your HVAC system of the air pressure needed to heat or cool certain areas effectively. If you can do so safely, check the joints of the air ducts for tearing or damaged seals. But these visual indicators may not tell you the whole story. To determine the severity of leaks, have a trusted residential and commercial HVAC expert like Acker Heating & Cooling perform a comprehensive and accurate assessment.
  1. Old and damaged ductwork. Broken seals, gaps in the joints and obvious signs of wear and tear are good indications of a duct leak. This issue is especially prevalent in homes built during the 1990s and early 2000s. As the sealant starts to fail and the ductwork itself deteriorates because of old age, duct leakage becomes more than a possibility. Have it checked by an HVAC professional. Depending on what they find, they may recommend duct sealing or targeted replacement.

How Is Duct Sealing Done?

First of all, DIY duct sealing is never a good idea. If you want the task done right, you’ll need to work with a reputable heating and air conditioning company. They have the necessary skills and experience to deliver high-quality results. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect from professional duct sealing:

  1. The technician will perform a thorough inspection of your duct system for leaks and other possible issues.
  2. Compromised ducts may be replaced or repaired, based on the outcome of the inspection.
  3. Any loose sections of the duct system are tightened. If any are bent or kinked, they’ll be straightened out.
  4. Your HVAC contractor may use construction-grade seal and tape to fill cracks or holes present in the ductwork. They’ll then seal the connecting sections of the ducts to keep them airtight.
  5. Once that’s done, they may secure the ductwork to the registers and vents.

What Happens After Duct Sealing?

Once the leaks are taken care of, you can expect your heating and air conditioning system to provide the same reliable and efficient performance as before. But it shouldn’t stop there. After the ducts have been sealed, you should have them cleaned thoroughly to free them of any lingering dust and contaminants. The ductwork should be sealed and cleaned to ensure that only clean air is passing through the system and into your home.

Who Should Be Doing the Work?

Acker Heating & Cooling is the go-to company for HVAC repair and installation in the greater Athens area. If you need a professional to handle your duct sealing needs, we’re ready to step up to the plate. We are:

  • Fully qualified. Acker Heating & Cooling has the necessary licensing and insurance that make us eligible to perform a variety of HVAC services. You know that you’re always covered when you choose us for the job.
  • Experienced. Since 1994, Acker Heating & Cooling has provided homeowners and commercial property managers in Colbert and beyond with the highest quality HVAC solutions. Choosing us for your duct sealing needs means working with a professional who will complete the task in a timely and efficient manner. No shortcuts, no mistakes — just superior workmanship.
  • Top-rated. We ensure your peace of mind by doing the job right the first time. You only need to check the five-star reviews we continue to receive from our satisfied clients to get an idea of the quality of our service!

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Aside from air conditioning and heating system installation, Acker Heating & Cooling can also take care of your air duct sealing needs. With this top-tier solution, we’ll help you get the most out of your HVAC system’s performance. We proudly serve homeowners and commercial property managers in Colbert, GA, and other areas in Madison County. Get in touch with us by calling (706) 425-8774 or filling out this contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!

Bryan Acker

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