More and more households are looking for ways to go green and conserve energy. The key to reducing energy consumption and cutting costs may be as simple as keeping conditioned air inside your home. Leaking air ducts can reduce your home’s energy efficiency by as much as 20%. The professionals at Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical will show you how you can save energy by sealing your leaky air ducts in Phoenix.
How Air Leaks Happen
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air, approximately 75% of buildings have air leaks. There are numerous factors that can create gaps in your home’s ductwork. Some examples are:
- Temperature changes
- Excess humidity
- Poorly sealed joints
- Separated metal fittings
- Pests
- Gaps in insulation
Heating and air conditioning professionals categorize most air leaks into a couple of categories. Supply leaks reduce the amount of airflow from the air conditioner or furnace into your home’s interior. Return leakage results in air that your home’s system draws from the walls and attic being dispersed back to the equipment.
Air duct leakage can be difficult for the average homeowner to detect. Having your home inspected annually by a licensed HVAC professional will allow you to stay on top of air leaks.
Signs of Air Duct Leaks
If you’re wondering if an air leak may be sabotaging your energy conservation efforts, there are signs you can look for. It’s probably time to call a professional if you notice any of the following:
- An unexplained increase in your energy bills
- Excess dust in your home
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- A decrease in indoor air quality
- Frequent HVAC equipment breakdowns
Increased Energy Bills
A leak in your home’s air ducts causes your heating and cooling system to work extra hard. The system uses energy to draw air in and bring it to the desired temperature. As your HVAC equipment blows the conditioned air throughout your home, much of the air escapes through the leaks. The system compensates for the escaped air by drawing in more air, conditioning it, and releasing it into your home. Therefore, it takes more energy to achieve the same level of comfort to which you are accustomed.
Increased Dust Accumulation
Because air duct leaks release air into undesirable places, you may begin to see more dust. Misdirected streams of air can disperse hidden dust piles and force these into more visible areas. Therefore, if you find yourself needing to dust more often, an air duct leak is the likely culprit. You may not think dust is a valid cause to contact an HVAC professional. But prolonged exposure can trigger allergies and irritate the respiratory system.
Inconsistent Indoor Temperatures
If you notice drastic differences in temperature from room to room, have your ducts checked for a leak. A central heating and air system that performs optimally will always heat and cool evenly. However, running your air conditioner with a leaky duct will cool the area nearest the leak. The other areas in your home will be uncomfortably warm as a result of not receiving sufficient airflow.
Decreased Indoor Air Quality
Leaky air ducts can also disperse air contaminants throughout your home. If a system leak pulls air from outside, your indoor air may contain more allergens and pollution. Air pulled from storage closets and basements may be contaminated with paint, cleaners, and other chemicals you store in those areas.
Frequent HVAC Repairs
It may be challenging to determine the age of every component in your HVAC system. Therefore, if different components are always needing repair, it’s easy to think your equipment is up in age. However, a system that has leaky ducts is more likely to need frequent repairs. Not only do leaks cause your HVAC system to work harder, but the equipment is also more susceptible to debris buildup. These factors can cause heating and cooling equipment to sustain wear and tear more quickly. If it seems like something in your HVAC system is always broken, have your ducts inspected by a knowledgeable technician.
Sealing Leaky Ductwork
If you are inexperienced with HVAC repairs, it’s always best to contact a licensed, reputable HVAC contractor like [company name]. There are a few different ways a technician can seal leaky air ducts.
Sealing Leaks With Foil Tape
Aluminum-based foil tape is widely available and easy to use. Although foil tape is a more temporary fix, it can effectively seal an air leak for up to a few years. It is important to choose foil tape that has a heat rating and an Underwriters Laboratory label.
Stopping Leaks With Mastic Tape
Mastic tape is a strip adhesive contractors use in a variety of construction and home repair applications. Because mastic tape is so versatile, it can be used anywhere in your home’s duct system. When used properly, mastic tape can seal an air leak for 15 to 25 years.
Advantages of Mastic Sealant
Unlike mastic tape, mastic sealant is in liquid form with the consistency of a paste. A technician can paint the sealant over a leak or inject it like a caulk. Mastic sealant offers the same durability as mastic tape. The paste-like consistency adds flexibility for sealing leaks of all shapes.
Insulating Leaky Ducts
Sometimes, the best way to stop an air leak is to insulate the duct. This is especially true of ductwork that runs through unconditioned parts of your home like the attic, garage, and basement. For safety, there are insulation products that are specifically designed for HVAC ducts. Batt insulation is one of the most affordable insulation products. Foil-backed foam is highly suitable for ducts that have an irregular shape. Insulation sleeves are pre-measured to fit around your home’s air ducts. Foil-backed bubble wrap is also a suitable product for ducts that are irregular in shape. However, bubble wrap requires the use of spacers to prevent the product from directly touching the duct.
Heating and Air Professionals in Phoenix
Since 1976, homeowners in Phoenix have entrusted Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical with their heating and air conditioning needs. Our professional team can optimize your indoor comfort, help you reduce your carbon footprint, and install the latest appliances. Our team can also maintain and repair your current heating and cooling equipment. In addition to HVAC services, we also offer water filtration, electrical work, and plumbing. Our licensed professionals will always stand by their work.
As our customer, you can always expect five-star service. We provide up-front pricing and honest service in every transaction. When doing a repair or installing equipment, we only use high-quality parts and products. You can always expect us to do the job right the first time; we never skip important details. We are committed to making each customer feel valued. Therefore, we always offer a 100% percent satisfaction guarantee.
Take the first step toward improving your home’s energy efficiency by requesting a consultation with Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical in Phoenix for duct repair. Call us today!
