Importance of Proper Seals for HVAC Ducts

Among several vital components that play a role in your HVAC system's operations, some of the most important are your ducts. These allow for transportation of air between rooms and areas in your home, plus ensure that air quality remains high, but one risk that may interrupt these simple functions is a lack of proper air seals in your ducts. 

At Thompson's Comfort Connection, we're here to offer a wide range of HVAC services for Sandy clients, from air filtration and purification themes to AC and heating repairs or installations to meet your every need. What are the risks present if your ducts are not sealed properly, what are some signs this might be happening, and what are some benefits of sealing ducts, either on your own or with help from our professionals? Here's a simple primer.

Risks of Improper Duct Seals

If your ducts are not sealed properly and air is allowed to escape from one or more major locations, there are several key risks you're taking:

• Increased HVAC costs: If air is allowed to escape your ducts, that means your HVAC system will have to work overtime in order to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. This can lead to much higher energy bills as the system operates longer than it needs to be.
• Reduced air quality: Air loss through un-sealed ducts means that pollutants, such as dust and dirt, can enter your home more easily. This can lead to health risks, as well as general discomfort and dirtier furniture or other surfaces.
• Damage to ducts: If air is allowed to escape from the seams of your ducts or other areas, it can create a sucking effect that can reduce airflow and eventually damage any insulation inside.
• Shorter lifespan: As a result of the above risks, your HVAC system will not last as long as it should. It may suffer from a drop in efficiency, leading to more frequent repairs and much higher costs over time.
• Safety risks: If your home uses gas appliances like a furnace, the escaping air can create an unsafe environment in which flammable gases can collect.

Signs of Poor Air Seals

There are several key signs that may indicate poor air seals in your ductwork:

• Uneven temperatures throughout your home: If some areas are much warmer or cooler than others, it could be due to air escaping from your ducts. In many cases, you'll be able to trace the source of the temperature difference straight back to the area where your duct seal is lacking.
• Noise coming from vents: Any sound indicating airflow is not a good sign and could mean that air is escaping through unsealed areas in the ducts.
• Increased energy bills: If your HVAC system is running excessively, it could be due to air leakage and lead to higher energy bills.

Benefits of Sealing Ducts

Here are a few benefits that come from having properly sealed ducts in your home:

Lower energy bills: When air is not allowed to escape, it means your HVAC system will not have to work as hard, leading to lower energy bills.

Cleaner air quality: With less air escaping your ducts, pollutants and other impurities will not be able to enter as easily.

Longer HVAC system lifespan: When the system does not have to work as hard, it can last longer with fewer repairs over time.

Improved safety: With proper seals in place, there is no risk of flammable gases entering your home.

Who Should Perform Duct Sealing?

If you've determined that your ducts are not properly sealed, there are several options available. For instance, you can attempt to seal them yourself using an aerosol-based foam sealant and other materials, but bear in mind that this is a difficult task and could cause problems if done improperly.

For more complex or extensive sealing needs, it's best to leave the job to professionals. At Thompson's Comfort Connection, our team of HVAC specialists can assess your ductwork and apply the necessary sealing materials with precision and efficiency.

We understand how important it is to have properly sealed ducts in order to maintain a comfortable environment and improve air quality in your Sandy home. That's why our team is here to help you protect your health, safety and finances with quality duct sealing services. Contact us today for more information about how we can help.