If you're looking to make your air conditioning system more efficient, sealing your air ducts is a great place to start. But how do you go about it? In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to sealing air ducts, from checking for leaks to hiring a professional. When it comes to detecting leaks, you can use a thin piece of toilet paper or an incense stick. Hold the burning incense stick next to the duct while the system is turned on.
If smoke or toilet paper starts to move irregularly, it means that there is a leak in the duct. When it comes to sealing the air duct, you have two main options: putty sealant or adhesive tape. Putty sealant is a great choice for sealing air ducts from the outside, especially in ducts that are difficult to access. Alternatively, aluminum foil tape can help you get the job done.
If you're looking for a more advanced solution, Aeroseal is an aerosol sealant developed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to cover energy leaks from buildings. The goal is for the sealant to find all the small holes in the duct and sit around them to form a seal. By sealing and insulating your air ducts, you can enjoy better airflow in your home and reduce your energy bills. However, it's important to note that sealing air ducts by yourself can cause a lot of problems for you and your home.
From damaged aluminum tapes to unsealed duct connections, there are countless escape routes through which the precious air conditioner you bought and paid for exits. For this reason, it's always advisable to hire a professional when you are looking for more than just sealing with aluminum tape or putty sealant. A professional technician will test the ducts to determine if they need to be sealed and measure the current leak. By choosing to work with a professional, you can have peace of mind knowing that your air conditioning system will be working properly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Sealing air ducts is an important step in improving the efficiency of your air conditioning system. While it's possible to do it yourself with putty sealant or aluminum foil tape, it's always best to hire a professional technician who can test for leaks and measure current leakage levels.With their help, you can ensure that your air conditioner is working properly and efficiently.
