As a Florida homeowner, it’s likely that you’re bombarded with all types of advice on properly caring for your home and appliances. Your HVAC is, by far, one of your most important systems that demands routine care. While you may be scheduling routine service, you don’t want to forget about your ducts.
Why Is Ductwork So Important?
Ductwork plays a key role in the operating performance of your heating and cooling units. When it’s in good condition, it sets your HVAC system up for energy-efficient performance. However, if your ducting has leaks or other issues, it can drastically reduce the efficiency of your HVAC components. As a homeowner, you should ensure that your ductwork is up to par.
How Much Do Duct Leaks Cost?
When you have leaks, some of your treated air will escape into your walls, attic, or crawlspaces. This forces your HVAC system to work harder to make up for the air loss.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average household loses between 20% and 30% of the air moving through its ducts due to leaks. This translates into higher heating and cooling costs and wasted energy. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve system efficiency by about 20% and reduce total energy bills by 10–20%.
What Is Duct Sealing Service?
If you’ve never had your ducting sealed before, here is what it entails. Sealing service is simply closing up leaks in your ductwork. Over time, ducts can develop loose joints, gaps, cracks, or disconnected sections due to aging, poor installation, or expansion and contraction.
Duct sealing usually involves two steps. First, mastic sealant or foil-backed metal tape is used to seal visible leaks that are accessible to a technician. Second, an aerosol-based sealing technology can be injected into the ducting. This resin coats the interior of the ducts, hardens, and creates an airtight seal that addresses leaks not visible from the outside.
The Many Benefits of Duct Sealing
Lower Energy Bills
Probably one of the most desirable benefits of duct sealing is lower energy bills. With all the conditioned air your system produces reaching your living spaces instead of leaking away, your HVAC won’t need to run as long. Many homeowners see noticeable savings, often 10–20% of their annual heating and cooling costs.
Better Indoor Comfort
Leaky ducts can cause uneven temperatures in different rooms. One room may never reach the set temperature because air is being lost before it gets there. Sealing the leaks ensures consistent airflow and more even comfort throughout your home.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Leaks on the return side of ductwork can create negative pressure that pulls in dust, insulation fibers, or other debris from attics, crawl spaces, or wall cavities. This debris then circulates through your home. Sealing the ducts reduces the chance of contaminants entering the system and improves indoor air quality.
Longer HVAC Lifespan
Leaky ducts make your HVAC system run longer cycles and work harder, which adds wear and tear. Sealing helps reduce strain on the system and minimizes dirt buildup inside, potentially extending the life of your equipment.
Key Signs You Need Duct Sealing Service
Excessive Household Dust
If you notice more dust than usual, your ductwork may be pulling debris in through leaks and spreading it throughout your home.
High Utility Bills
Unexplained spikes in heating or cooling costs can indicate air loss in your ducts. If you’ve already checked your filter and your bills remain high, sealing may help restore efficiency.
Uneven Heating or Cooling
If certain rooms suddenly feel too hot or too cold compared to the rest of the home, a duct leak may be diverting conditioned air before it reaches its intended space.
Duct Sealing Frequency
Unlike routine maintenance, duct sealing does not need to be repeated on a set schedule. A well-sealed duct system can last for decades. However, you should have your ducts inspected every few years, especially after major renovations, equipment upgrades, or if you suspect new leaks. Older ductwork may require closer monitoring.
Expert Duct Sealing Service
M&S Air Conditioning offers expert duct sealing service for the Leesburg, FL community. We can also assist with all your duct installation, repair, maintenance, cleaning, and replacement needs. Call our office today to book your next service appointment with one of our knowledgeable technicians.
