In your efforts to save money this winter, you may look for ways to reduce utility costs and minimize repairs while keeping your family warm and comfortable. If your efforts don’t seem to be paying off, the ductwork of your HVAC system may be the problem. Ducts are square and rectangular tunnels through which heated air passes to the vents in each room. Ideally, your ducts should be sealed to prevent warm air from escaping. Unfortunately, ductwork is designed with seams and bends that are prone to tears, dents, and other types of damage. Duct sealing by the experts at Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning repairs the damage to your ducts, and here is what you should know about the service.
What Is Duct Sealing?
Duct sealing is a way of sealing holes, gaps, tears, and other types of damage to your ducts. For the highest level of energy efficiency, the system of ducts for your HVAC system needs to be completely enclosed to prevent air from escaping into the walls, ceiling, and attic space. The repairs do not require you to replace large sections of the ducts. Instead, our technicians locate the damage and repair the affected section of ductwork.
What Problems Are Fixed With Duct Sealing?
Damage to your ducts causes a range of issues, many of which are not obviously linked to the ductwork.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Gaps and openings on the sides of the ducts in your home create a perfect entry point for dust, mold, pollen, bacteria, viruses, and other airborne particles. If you notice more dust in your home or suffer from allergy symptoms when the heating system runs, chances are that your ductwork needs some repairs.
High Utility Costs
Your HVAC system is designed to distribute heated air throughout your home while maximizing energy efficiency. This should translate into affordable utility costs. If your energy costs are higher than normal, it’s time to schedule an appointment with an expert technician from Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning. Openings in the sides of the ducts let warm air escape, making your heating system run longer to heat your home to the desired temperature.
Uneven Temperatures and Cold Spots
Are parts of your home colder in the winter than the rest of the house? This is a good sign that a section of your ductwork is damaged. Your heating system is designed to evenly distribute warm air throughout the house, but some of it is escaping before it reaches the vents.
Noises
Dust and particles aren’t the only things that enter your home through openings in ductwork. Given a large enough gap, twigs, insects, leaves, and rodents can find a way into the ducts. You may notice unusual noises such as thumping, scratching, rustling, and whistling. These noises may be caused by other issues with your HVAC equipment, so you should have a technician from Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning determine the problem.
What Are the Benefits of Duct Sealing?
Sealing your ducts helps in many ways. You can better manage your utility costs, and keep your home free of irritating particles. Another benefit of duct sealing is that you avoid unnecessary repairs to your heating unit. Openings in the ductwork let warm air escape and make your equipment work harder to heat your home. As a result, the components of the HVAC system have more wear and tear, and you pay more for repairs. Fixing issues with ductwork ensures that the system runs efficiently and that your equipment lasts as long as possible.
How to Seal Ducts
Ductwork can be sealed using two techniques. The more common way is to use a special metal tape and adhesive to repair the damage. The repairs are made on the outer surface of the ductwork. Another newer technique is to seal ducts from the inside. A special adhesive is sprayed on the interior surface to seal openings and tears. Each of these options has advantages, and the professionals at Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning can help you decide which way is best for your and HVAC system.
Who Should Seal My Ducts?
Sealing ducts can be done by expert DIY homeowners, but, in most cases, it should be left for the professional HVAC technicians at Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning. Many gaps and holes in ductwork are difficult to find. Applying the materials incorrectly can cause more problems and require extensive repairs. We can come to your home, evaluate the ductwork, and provide an estimate to help you plan within your budget. Remember that you get a return on your investment for professional duct sealing through lower utility costs every month, including during the summer when you use your air conditioning system.
What Happens During Duct Sealing?
Repairing ductwork does not require any removal of walls or ceilings. Our technicians know how to access the affected sections of the ducts and perform the repairs. You can be at home while we do the work, or you can leave for a few hours. The service starts with an inspection of your HVAC system and discussion about the signs of damaged ducts. Based on the information from you, we determine the location of the problem areas in your ducts. The ducts are then cleaned to remove any dust, debris, and other particles. We can also clean your entire system of ductwork to improve indoor air quality. We use special materials to fix holes, tears, and gaps, and you can use your heating right after we finish the job.
When Will I See Results of Duct Sealing?
For indoor air quality problems, you will see the difference the next time you run your heating system. You may notice that the air smells fresh and clean. Keep an eye on your furniture, as well. There will be less dust to clean each week. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of duct sealing the next time you pay your utility bills, and the cost may continue to go down for two to three months. If your utility costs continue to be high, your equipment may need some attention, or it may be time to install a programmable thermostat or zone control system. Constantly changing the temperature is one of the most common reasons why Syracuse homeowners pay too much in energy costs every winter.
Duct Sealing and HVAC Services in Syracuse
Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning has helped homeowners in Syracuse, New York, and surrounding areas since 1983 with all their heating and cooling needs. We offer installation, repair, and maintenance services as well as indoor air quality products. Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned business, so we understand the importance of a reliable and efficient heating system during the cold Upstate New York winters. If you would like to know about duct sealing and our other services, call us today. We can answer all of your questions and schedule a time for a technician t