What is ductwork and why can it leak?
Ductwork refers to the system of ducts (metal or synthetic tubes) used to transport air from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems throughout a property.
Over time as a result of wear and tear from age ductwork can develop leaks, and have a huge impact on the efficiency of HVAC units in homes and businesses.
Any small holes in ductwork can allow air to escape, leading to higher energy bills and a reduction of the efficiency of heating and cooling systems by as much as 20 percent*.
Signs of Leaky Air Ducts
As ductwork tends to be located out of sight, leaky air ducts may not be easy to spot but here are some signs to look out for:
- Noisy ductwork: Unusual sounds could indicate air escaping from your ducts.
- Higher energy bills: An increase in energy costs might be due to your system working harder to compensate for air leaks.
- A build-up of dust and debris: This can lead to the development of odours and even allergic reactions amongst visitors and staff.
The most effective way to detect a leaky air duct is using a pressure test, which can measure how much the system is leaking and provide a clear indicator of whether clearing and/or professional duct sealing is required.
What is Duct Sealing?
Duct sealing is the process of fixing visible and invisible air leaks in air duct systems, which can result in inadequate air volume, irregular temperatures, and energy loss from HVAC system.
Duct sealing has several benefits, including:
1. Improved Air Quality – If there’s a leak in the duct, dust and other contaminants can be sucked in, recycled into the duct system and spread throughout the premises. Moisture entering the system can also lead to mould spores being produced. Sealing ductwork therefore enhances indoor air quality by preventing dust, contaminants, and mould spores from entering the system and then circulating within the building.
Furthermore, cleaner air results in fewer absences and a healthier environment, especially in school and business settings.
2. Energy Efficiency – Sealed ductwork reduces thermal loss and lower energy consumption by ensuring evenly distributed heating and cooling throughout the building. Airtight systems also require less fan power, which can result in significant energy savings.
3. Cost Savings – By preventing air leaks, duct sealing can help to lower your energy bills. Systems with sealed ducts do not have to work as hard, reducing operational costs and extending the lifespan of HVAC equipment.
Can I seal ducts myself?
While DIY solutions are available, for example, aluminium-based foil tape and mastic tape, they can be time-consuming and may not offer the same level of efficiency and peace of mind as professional duct sealing.
What is Aeroseal duct sealing?
Aeroseal is a patented, computer controlled technology that seals ductwork leaks from the inside out, making it less invasive and labour-intensive than traditional duct sealing methods.
Aeroseal can locate even the smallest of leaks in HVACs and air duct systems. It then uses a non-toxic polymer based sealant to uniquely seal leaks from the inside, delivering the benefit of little disruption and potentially large energy savings.
How it works:
Sealant injection: Sealant is injected into the ductwork in an aerosolised form.
Targeted sealing: The aerosolised sealant travels through the duct system, sealing only the areas where leaks are present.
Non-invasive process: Aeroseal works from the inside of the ducts, making it effective even for hard-to-reach areas.
This process ensures a thorough and effective seal, improving the overall efficiency of HVAC systems without the need for extensive manual labour.
Improving air quality, enhancing energy efficiency, and providing cost savings, Aeroseal is the optimal choice for maintaining a healthy and efficient HVAC system. Contact us to find out more.