Pretty much everybody knows that you should get your heating system professionally checked before winter sets in. This helps to make sure that the heating system is up to the task of keeping you warm all winter. What a lot of people don’t know, however, is that you should get your ducts sealed around the same time. Duct sealing will help keep your home heating system as efficient as possible. Read on to find out how.
The Necessity of Duct Sealing
Ducts may seem sturdy, but they really aren’t. In fact, the slightest mistake during installation can leave leaks in the system. Even years of normal flexing with the changes in temperature can open up duct leaks. These leaks are often small, but they add up quickly. In fact, the US Department of Energy has found that the average forced air system loses up to 30% of its total output to duct leaks. That means that you are likely spending nearly a third more than you need to on heating costs. Sealing your ducts will automatically make your heating system more efficient, saving you money and making your home more comfortable.
The Process
Once the duct leaks are found, they are typically painted over with a substance called “mastic.” This is a type of epoxy, which stiffens when dry to seal the leak. The mastic is still flexible enough to move with the ducts without cracking, helping to keep the leak sealed. Occasionally, regulation duct tape may be used over the mastic in order to help ensure that the leak doesn’t reopen. This process should be repeated at least once a year, in order to address any new leaks that form.
If you haven’t had your ducts sealed in over a year, call Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer comprehensive duct sealing services throughout Chicago, IL.