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When it comes to your HVAC system, ductwork doesn’t get the attention it deserves. A high quality, properly-size and constructed duct system can do wonders for your indoor comfort. It will more evenly cool and heat different rooms, greatly improve air quality, and save you money on monthly energy bills.
But, installing an entirely new duct system can be incredibly expensive. So, is there an affordable solution?
Yes! And this is where it's important to understand the benefits and uses for duct sealing and duct coating. It's important to note that duct coating and duct sealing are not substitutes for replacing deeply damaged or poorly designed ducts, but they can serve as excellent "intermediate" solutions in many cases.
What is Duct Sealing?
Did you know that:
- 95% of homes have leaky ducts?
- 25-40% of heated and cooled air leaks out?
- $25 billion is wasted every year in the U.S. as a result?
Cracks, holes, and leaks in your duct system can cost you both money and comfort. This is where duct sealing becomes a valuable solution. Leaking ductwork can also create condensation, leading to water damage and potential mold problems in extreme cases. Read more: 10 Signs You Need an Air Duct Cleaning
The Technology Behind Duct Sealing
While various companies offer duct sealing technology, the industry leader—used by our team—is Aeroseal.
Imagine your A/C is working perfectly, but 25% of that cooled air is being lost through holes, rips, and tears in your duct system.
This means your A/C is working 25% harder than it should, leading to higher energy bills and uneven cooling in your home.
However, finding and patching all these holes can be challenging:
- The tears might be too small to find.
- The ducts might be in inaccessible spaces (not all ducts run through spacious attics and basements!).
- Lots of small tears equal lots of risks that you might miss a few.
- Some leakage is inevitable based on the type of ducting material used and impossible to "patch" without sealing technology.
This is where air duct sealing can be incredibly helpful.
How Does Duct Sealing Work?
Without getting too technical, think of sealing technology as "glue with a brain." The process involves blowing a special adhesive into your duct system. This adhesive hunts around the ductwork until it finds a hole. Once it does, it hardens and plugs the hole.
Because the adhesive is connected to a computer, the system can notify the technician once all the holes have been sealed. However, duct sealing has its limits. Larger holes, typically those bigger than a golf ball, cannot be sealed. These will need to be manually patched before starting the sealing process. Additionally, ducts that are deeply damaged, such as those attacked by pests, are not good candidates for duct sealing.
Even brand-new duct systems can benefit from sealing. Inevitably, even with a perfectly designed and professionally built system, some degree of leakage will occur. In fact, states like Utah require ductwork sealing in new constructions for this very reason!
What is Duct Coating?
Duct coating might sound similar to duct sealing, but the process and purpose are quite different. While sealing focuses on preventing air leaks, coating primarily addresses cleanliness and structural reinforcement.
Over time, ductwork can become dirty and degrade, especially older ducts made from fiberglass. When standard duct cleaning isn't enough, and especially for homeowners looking to "reinforce" their duct structure to avoid future tears, duct coating offers a viable solution.
Think of duct coating as a thick, antimicrobial paint. This coating is applied to the interior of the duct system, helping to prevent the development of harmful microbial material and reinforcing the structure of the ducts.
How is Duct Coating Applied?
There are various methods for applying duct coating, similar to how paint can be applied. Some coatings are done by hand with brushes, others with manually operated spray guns, and others with robots (yes, robots!) that navigate through your duct system.
Like sealing however, coating is not a cure-all solution in cases of more extreme contamination. It might be the case that full duct system replacement is needed, but that determination should be made by a licensed mold remediation company - especially if there is concern that the contamination goes beyond the duct system.
Do I Need to Worry About My Ducts?
Yes! Both duct sealing and duct coating provide cost-effective solutions to common ductwork issues without the need for full replacement. Whether you're looking to improve energy efficiency or reinforce the structural integrity of your ducts, these services can make a significant difference in your home's comfort and air quality. Contact Filterbuy HVAC Solutions for a FREE consultation today.
