As a homeowner, one of the most important concerns you likely have is keeping your energy bills down. A big obstacle to this can be leaking ductwork, which often happens over time as connections loosen and damage occurs to your ducts.

Fixing leaky ductwork

Unlike other parts of your HVAC system, most ductwork is hidden and difficult to access. If you find any obvious leaks yourself, you can seal them using mastic or metal tape, but sealing ductwork can be difficult.  The other option is to hire an HVAC contractor to come in and inspect/repair your ductwork system.

What to expect from your contractor

Sealing ductwork is a service that most HVAC contractors offer. The following are the basic steps that you can expect a contractor to follow:

  • Ductwork inspection: Your contractor will inspect your entire system, which includes the attic, basement, and any crawl spaces for any issues.

  • Evaluation: He/she will then check the supply and return air balance. When they are not balanced, it is a sign that there are leaks or obstructions, or even damaged ducts.

  • Repair: Once any issues have been identified, your contractor will then repair or replace ducts, as appropriate. Many small defects can easily be fixed.

  • Sealing: When your ducts are leaking, due to poor connections, there are a variety of options to seal them. Your contractor will use mastic, metal tape, or an aerosol-based sealant in order to eliminate leaks. On top of your duct leaks, your vents may also be leaking. These will also be sealed.

  • Air filter: Most contractors will also put in a new filter.

  • Re-evaluate: In order to determine the effectiveness of the work done, your contractor will retest the airflows and conduct final safety tests.

While these are the main steps the majority of contractors will take, some may also add in additional steps depending on the exact service they offer.

If you are looking for an HVAC contractor who can seal your Wichita home’s ductwork, contact Comfort Systems.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ductwork and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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