Like most homeowners who are always after improving their homes, you’re always looking for ways to save money on your energy bill. One way to achieve this is by air duct sealing. Many home improvement experts have mentioned that air duct sealing is one of the best ways to save electricity, especially when we use our air conditioners and heaters the most.
But does it work? Here’s a look at the science behind air duct sealing and what you can expect from this home improvement project. By the end of this article, you will have decided if air duct sealing is the one you are looking for in your house.
Air Duct Sealing in a Nutshell
Duct sealing is filling any gaps or leaks in your air ducts. This is usually done with a mastic sealant, a sticky, tar-like substance that adheres to the walls of the air ducts and creates an airtight seal.
Mastic sealant is not the only material used for air duct sealing, but it is the most common and most effective. Other materials used for air duct sealing include:
- Butyl tape
- Fiberglass mesh
- Polyurethane spray foam
Many people choose to air duct seal their home because it can result in several benefits, the most important of which is significant energy savings.
How Duct Sealing Saves Energy
A study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory showed that air duct sealing could significantly reduce energy consumption. The study found that air duct sealing can lead to up to 30% energy savings.
The way air duct sealing saves energy is pretty simple. By sealing the air ducts, you are effectively preventing air from escaping. This means that either your air conditioner or heater does not have to work as hard to maintain the desired room temperature in your home, which leads to lower energy consumption.
Many people record air duct sealing as one of the most impactful and cost-effective home improvement projects they’ve ever done. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy consumption, air duct sealing is worth considering.
Of course, air duct sealing is not the only way to save energy in your home. There are several other energy-saving tips that you can apply at home, but air duct sealing is the major one that would last a long time.
How Air Duct Sealing Works
One thing’s for sure: you cannot do it by yourself. Air duct sealing requires expertise and special equipment, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
The first step in air duct sealing is to inspect the air ducts for leaks or gaps. Once the leaks and gaps have been identified, the next step is to seal them with mastic sealant or another sealant material.
However, it is important to note that air duct sealing is not a one-time job. The mastic sealant or other material used will degrade over time, which means that the air ducts will eventually need to be resealed.
It’s important to note that air duct sealing is not a one-time job. Depending on the recommendations from the air duct sealing company, it might be necessary to have your air ducts sealed for a duration of three to five years apart.
Benefits of Air Duct Sealing
Air duct sealing has a lot of amazing benefits that many homeowners love. For one, it can lead to significant energy savings. Homeowners usually save up to 30% on their energy bills after air duct sealing, which more than pays for the project’s cost.
Air duct sealing can also improve indoor air quality. By sealing the air ducts, you effectively prevent contaminants from entering your home through the air ducts. This is perfect for families with young children or members who suffer from allergies or are sensitive to air pollution.
Another great benefit of air duct sealing is making your home more comfortable. By sealing the air ducts, you are preventing air from escaping, which means that your air conditioner or heater does not have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature in your home. This can lead to a more comfortable home environment overall.
Air duct sealing is also great for the environment. By sealing the air ducts, you are preventing air from escaping, which means that your air conditioner or heater does not have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature in your home. This can lead to lower energy consumption and a reduction in carbon emissions.
Disadvantages of Air Duct Sealing
There are some downsides to air duct sealing. For one, it is not a cheap project. Typically, air duct sealing costs will depend on the size of your home and the number of air ducts that need to be sealed, but the average cost is around $1,500.
Another downside of air duct sealing is that it is not a one-time job. Once you have air duct sealing, you are supposed to do it every three to five years, depending on the recommendations given by the air duct sealing company.
Lastly, air duct sealing can be disruptive to your home. The air duct sealing process can create a lot of dust and noise, which can disrupt your daily routine. Sometimes, air duct sealing companies will need to access your attic or crawl space, which can be disruptive, especially if you are working from home or value silence and quiet more than the others.
Does it Work?
Air duct sealing works; there’s no doubt about it. If you are looking for ways to save energy and improve indoor air quality, air duct sealing is the way. Remember that it is not a one-time job and that you need to have it done every few years to maintain its effectiveness.
Suppose you are still undecided whether or not air duct sealing is right for you. In that case, we suggest you talk to a professional air duct sealing company. They will be able to assess your air ducts and give you a more accurate estimate of the cost and frequency of the air duct sealing process.
Conclusion
Indeed, air duct sealing works, and it has a lot of other amazing benefits that you will surely love. Air duct sealing is perfect if you want to save more energy, enjoy better indoor air quality, and have a more comfortable home. Just remember that it is not a one-time job, and you need to have it done every few years to maintain its effectiveness.
Mybrighthaus understands that every household deserves to be comfortable. We offer air duct sealing services that will surely save you a lot of money in the long run. Their air duct sealing services are high quality and will improve your indoor air quality. They also offer other home improvement services that you might want to try.
