Do I Really Need Duct Sealing?

There are a number of household services that we provide that may sound, well, obscure to some people. Possibly not that important. The type of thing that a homeowner hears about and immediately says, “Wait, do I really need that?”

One of these services is duct sealing. Do you really need it? Let’s take a look.

Not All Homes Need Duct Sealing, But Many Do

Duct sealing is a way to repair problems with air leaks in ductwork. There are multiple reasons for air leaks to start: corrosion from moisture, animal infiltration, higher air pressure than normal, accidents from construction during remodeling. If ductwork doesn’t have any damage and isn’t losing air pressure from leaks, then duct sealing is unnecessary.

However… and this a big “however”… most homes have some air leaks in their ventilation system. It’s a common problem, and it often arises from poor initial duct installation that leads to the ducts wearing down too quickly. Even a small amount of air leakage will affect the energy efficiency of an air conditioner and heater and lead to higher bills. Most of the time, homeowners aren’t even aware of this energy going to waste. Duct sealing will make a huge difference. Not only does it dramatically improve HVAC energy efficiency to lower utility bills, it helps to maintain better comfort in the house, reduces strain on a heater and air conditioner that can lead to repairs and an early replacement, and protects indoor air quality from debris that can get in through the leaks.

How Can I Know My Home Needs Duct Sealing?

You can guess based on signs like high energy bills, sluggish airflow, or musty odors from the vents. But the best way to know is to contact our ductwork specialists to test the ducts for their airtightness. We recommend all homes have this service done every 3 or 4 years, which is enough time for ductwork deterioration to set in.

For duct sealing and other ventilation services, call on Raleigh Heating & Air, Inc. We serve Apex, NC and the surrounding areas.