Water-based putty duct sealant is the ideal choice for sealing ducts as it is easier to clean and will last for a long time. You can apply it with a brush or a caulking gun, although it is not necessary. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, hiring a professional to internally seal the entire duct system is the best option. However, if you are a DIY enthusiast and your ducts are accessible, you can purchase putty, clean the outside of the air ducts, and apply the putty.
You can also use high-quality adhesive tape, putty, or Aeroseal sealant for optimal results. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so let's take an in-depth look at what technique you could use and why. You should begin with a silicone-based duct sealant that is easy to apply with a putty gun. This sealant will cover cracks and holes and keep moisture away. If that does not work, then the ductwork was wrong from the start: the metal does not shrink as much.
Meanwhile, you think that your ducts are functioning efficiently while your energy bills are increasing. If you plan to open the ducts to clean them after application, it is best to use adhesive tape instead. Some people argue that the air that comes out of the duct is still in the house, so energy is not really lost. In any case, having your ducts properly sealed will help you balance the air temperature in your home and improve air quality. Moisture can seep into the ducts, causing mold to form and affecting indoor air quality and the general health of the occupants of the house. However, in most buildings, damaged ductwork causes 20 to 30 percent air loss throughout the duct system.
Experts believe that 20 to 30 percent of public heating, ventilation and air conditioning costs are due to leaks in ducts, representing a significant amount of money that translates into changes over several months. If you clean your ducts annually, you'll notice leaks more quickly and you'll be able to fix problems before they become serious. To prevent these situations from occurring, make sure that the ducts are sealed correctly. You can do this by applying some tape, putty, and insulation (the old-fashioned way) or by hiring a professional to blow liquid rubber sealant through the system. With the fan, they will spray the inside of the duct system with a liquid rubber sealant which will cover all of the holes, cracks and joints that leak air.
This means that it would take you 3 to 4 years to pay off the additional cost of hiring a company like Aeroseal to seal your ducts. In conclusion, water-based putty duct sealant is an effective way to seal your ducts if you're looking for an easy solution. However, if you want a more permanent solution or if your ducts are not accessible, hiring a professional is your best bet. Make sure to use quality duct sealing compounds for best results.
