HVAC ductwork is the means by which heated and cooled air is circulated throughout your Lake Forest home. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t spend much time considering the state of your ducts. But if you want to save money on power bills, then perhaps you should. Energy Star tells us that North Shore homes can lose between 20 and 30 percent of their heated and cooled air through holes, cracks, leaks and poorly connected joints in ductwork. Sealing those leaks and cracks can mean big savings for you and your family.
What’s Wrong With Leaky Ductwork?
Leaky ducts create higher-than-normal utility bills. They also cause uneven heating and cooling which can show up as drafts, generalized indoor discomfort and cold or hot spots throughout your home. Unfortunately, turning the thermostat up or down has no effect on these problems because regardless of the thermostat setting, treated air will still escape via leaky ducts.
How Do I Know If My Duct Work Has Leaks?
Holes and cracks in duct work can be very tiny or quite large. The most obvious indication of leaky ducts is higher-than-normal utility bills. And even if you have a high-efficiency furnace or an energy-efficient air conditioner, leaky ducts will still cost you a pretty penny. There can be other indications of leaky ducts as well:
- Some rooms are always too cold or too hot no matter what you do
- Your home seems especially stuffy or dusty
- Your indoor air triggers allergic reactions
- You have problems with mold or humidity
How Can I Solve A Leaky Duct Problem?
Ducts are often located in hard-to-reach places that most homeowners cannot easily access. This includes ducts behind walls and ceilings or in basements, attics and garages. The first step in having healthy air ducts is to schedule a duct work inspection with a reputable HVAC contractor. A NATE-Certified technician from your HVAC company will perform a thorough duct work inspection. If there are any gaps, cracks or holes, your technician can seal them. It’s a good idea to get your ducts cleaned at the same time. Air ducts are notorious for harboring pollutants like bacteria, viruses, mold, allergens and dust mites. Your technician can clear away these contaminants as well as any debris, pests or other pollutants that may have been collecting there.
How Is Duct Work Sealed?
One of the easiest and most effective ways to repair air duct leaks is with a state-of-the-art application called Aeroseal. This product is considered the safest and most effective way to seal holes and cracks in air ducts. Your HVAC technician will spray a fine mist of this sealer into your air ducts, and it will form a waterproof and airtight seal over any cracks, holes, leaks and loose connections. The mist takes about an hour to dry, and from that point on, your duct work is good to go.
What Are The Benefits Of Duct Sealing And Duct Cleaning?
The biggest benefit is that your utility bills will go down immediately because heated and cooled air is no longer being wasted. Indoor comfort will increase because temperatures will be consistent throughout your home. Clean duct work will no longer harbor contaminants, so your indoor air quality will be better.
Experienced And Affordable Duct Sealing In Lake Forest And Surrounding Areas
Want to experience the financial benefits of a duct work inspection and discover how periodic duct work cleaning and state-of-the-art duct sealing technology can keep your Lake Forest or Highland Park home happy, fresh and clean? As a Certified Aeroseal Contractor and a Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer, Ireland Heating & Air Conditioning has indoor comfort solutions that will keep your family healthy and your home comfortable. Visit us now to learn more about duct sealing or call us directly at 847 388-0108.
