Air ducts are one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. Without them, there would be no way to deliver hot and cool air to the rooms in your home. You can think of air ducts as pathways. They guide hot and cool air along different routes, allowing your whole home to remain at a constant temperature. But without proper maintenance and care, these pathways become less effective at their job. If your air ducts aren’t working correctly to distribute air throughout your home, you may need air duct sealant. Learn about what air duct sealant is, when to purchase it, and the importance of sealing your air ducts in our blog!
What Is Air Duct Sealant?
Air duct sealant is what it sounds like. It is used to seal your air ducts and prevent leaks. There are three main types of air duct sealant: aerosol air duct sealant, mastic air duct sealant, and air duct sealing tape.
1. Aerosol Air Duct Sealant
When you think of aerosol, you likely imagine a spray can. If that’s the first image that popped up when you read the term “aerosol duct sealant,” you already have a solid understanding of how this product works. Professionals spray pressurized aerosol sealant inside of your air ducts, where it adheres to areas full of leaks and holes. It may also be used to coat your entire air duct system to prevent future leaks. This air duct sealant lasts anywhere between 10 and 30 years, making it an excellent, durable choice.
2. Mastic Air Duct Sealant
Mastic air duct sealant is a messier option for preventing and stopping leaks, but it is highly effective. It is a little harder to apply. Before you use mastic to seal your air ducts, you need to reinforce seams with sheet-metal screws. Large gaps in your air ducts must be reinforced with fiberglass mesh tape before applying mastic air duct sealant. Once you’ve done the appropriate amount of prep work, you can use a brush to layer the mastic on. You may also use your fingers as long as you wear rubber gloves. You don’t want to get this gooey, sticky air duct sealant on your skin.
3. Air Duct Sealing Tape
You can use special air duct sealing tape, available at your local hardware store, to seal leaks and cracks. However, out of all of the options out there, air duct sealing tape is the least reliable. It is not long-lasting or durable. As your air ducts become oily and dirty, the tape will likely loosen or fall off, allowing leaks to continue.
How Do You Tell If You Need Air Duct Sealant?
Many people have leaky air ducts, but they don’t realize it. You could be one of those homeowners who have leaky ductwork while being unaware of it. To determine whether you need to invest in air duct sealant, keep an eye out for these three signs:
1. Your Energy Bills Are Unusually High
Energy bills are generally expensive. However, if you feel like your energy bills are unusually high, it might be a sign that your air ducts are leaking. These leaks lead to lower efficiency, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to try and get the temperature in your house stable. When your HVAC system has to expend extra effort, it results in your energy bills rising. Air duct sealant can prevent the strain on your HVAC system, helping to bring this problem under control.
2. Multiple Rooms In Your House Aren’t Heating or Cooling Properly
Are there certain rooms in your house that you avoid because they are too hot or too cold as the seasons change? Likely, you have leaky air ducts. When multiple rooms in your house are not reaching the correct temperature, there is likely something wrong.
3. There Is Excessive Dust Buildup Around Your Vents
Unfortunately, dust will always be part of your life. No matter how much you clean, little specks will return within a day or so. But if there is more dust than usual entering your home, especially around your air vents, it may be a sign that you need to purchase air duct sealant. Abnormal dust buildup is almost always a sign that something is wrong with part of your HVAC system.
Get a Professional to Assist You With Air Duct Sealant Today!
When your HVAC system isn’t functioning properly, your home will not be comfortable. As the seasons change, subjecting you to bouts of excessive heat and cold, you’ll want to ensure that your system is healthy and can handle temperature regulation. Contact our team for assistance with applying air duct sealant today!