In the long run, sealing your air ducts can be a great way to keep your home energy efficient, save you money, and provide many other benefits. Homes often have 30 to 90 feet of ductwork installed, making it difficult to inspect and identify air leaks. This is because wall ducts are often hidden and hard to access, so workers may have to damage the walls to reach them and carry out repairs. These 1, 1 ½, or 2 inch thick boards, usually applied to the outside of HVAC ducts, are made of fiberglass or mineral wool with an outer layer of aluminum to protect air and moisture. A product like Aeroseal is highly effective in filling even the smallest leak points in the most hard-to-reach places.
Sealing ducts isn't always economical, but neglecting them will end up costing you more in the future. In most homes, basements are relatively easy to access and the ducts are relatively small, so contractors shouldn't have much trouble getting to them since they usually have to be exposed. However, additional labor may be needed if the basement is cluttered or the ducts are hidden. It cleans and seals ducts internally, reducing the risk of air leaks and other problems, such as allergens. However, this refers exclusively to placing sealing putty at the joints of the ducts and allowing them to dry.
The contractor must replace the collapsed sections and secure them, possibly adding sealant and insulation. The price of sealing the air ducts is nothing compared to what you would spend if they remained unsealed. Whether you're looking for cool shelter on a hot summer day or a warm, inviting space when it's cold, your home needs adequate insulation to keep you and your family comfortable. If rodents enter the ducts, you may need to repair some expenses because of the damage they cause inside them, such as gnawing sections or leaving feces and dirt. The following table shows the most common locations and the average repair costs for each, based on a typical duct length of 30 feet. That fee covers removing mice or rats from the ducts with traps and installing a sealant or cover to prevent rodents from entering them. In conclusion, sealing your air ducts can be a great way to keep your home energy efficient in the long run, save you money and provide many other benefits.
It's important to consult a professional insulation contractor in your area for a project budget so that you can save time and energy.
