Air duct sealing is a great way to improve your homes energy efficiency and comfort. Many homeowners overlook proper air duct sealing and go straight to upgrading the HVAC unit. This is a mistake because blowing more warm or cool air does not mean the conditioned air will reach its intended target. Up to 25% of the conditioned air your AC system moves is lost to non-conditioned spaces like the crawl space, attic and even outside.
Air Duct Sealing DIY Video
Most homes have duct-work in the attic, crawl space or unfinished basement. If the ducts are not properly sealed, they are stealing money from you every day. Below I have included a how to video to help you seal your duct-work.
Why You Should Air Seal Your Ducts
According to energystar.gov
“a duct system that is well-designed and properly sealed can make your home more comfortable, energy efficient, and safer. They basically listed five different areas that you’re gonna see benefits from when you air seal your ducts.”
The #1 reason to seal your duct-work is safety. If your gas water heater or furnace is located near leaky ducts, this can produce what’s called a “backdraft”. Backdraft is when gases are drawn back into the living space rather than expelled to the outdoors. Sealing these leaks in the ducts can minimize the risk of exposure.
The #2 reason to seal your duct-work is comfort. Sealing and insulating the ducts will help improve comfort problems such as:
- Rooms that are too hot in the summer
- Being too cold in the winter
- Drafts in bedrooms
- Heat loss
- AC Loss
The #3 benefit is improved Indoor air quality:
- Limiting fumes from household and garden chemicals
- Prevent insulation particles from entering living space
- Controlling dust
- Reduce humidity and crawl space moisture intrusion
Insulation fibers located in attics and crawl spaces can enter your home and affect your air quality. Sealing the ducts properly is a great line of defense from fiberglass exposure.
Hopefully the 4th reason to seal the ducts is you notice a monetary savings on your heating and cooling bills.
What Next?
Do you need help with crawl space dehumidifiers or encapsulation in your home and you live in Georgia, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Kentucky? If so, please contact us to schedule your assessment. Also, let us know in the comments below if you’d like to suggest a future blog post.
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2 thoughts on “Air Duct Sealing DIY”
Michael,
Thank you so much for your expertise and information! I would be considered a novice, however money being the main motivator I will be doing this on my own!
So I will watch your video a few more times make my shopping list and off to the Big Box store to buy supplies!
Thanks again, Linda
That sounds great. You can do it!