Air duct sealing is a great way to boost the efficiency of your home's HVAC system and reduce energy consumption. It can help prevent air loss and increase air flow, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this process. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of air duct sealing, as well as the cost and safety considerations. Sealing any leaking parts of a duct system can raise static pressure, which is similar to blood pressure. If the static pressure is too high, it can cause the boiler fan and air conditioner to work harder to push the air.
This can cause issues if the fan type or duct design is not suitable, as it can reduce airflow and potentially reduce the lifespan of the heating and cooling system. To make sure that duct sealing is the right solution for your home, it is essential to check the static pressure of your system and make any necessary changes to the ducts. In addition to increasing energy efficiency, sealing ducts can also help improve indoor air quality by reducing the risk of contaminants entering ducts and circulating around the house. This can help alleviate asthma and allergy problems caused by wildfire smoke, insulating particles, and dust. Sealing ducts can also help solve common comfort problems such as rooms that are too hot in summer or too cold in winter. On the other hand, there are some risks associated with air duct sealing.
If the ducts are sealed in a poorly designed system, airflow can be affected and in some cases decreased. This can cause problems if the minimum acceptable levels are not met. Additionally, condensate leaking from the evaporator coil can occur when an undersized duct system is sealed with a variable speed fan. The cost of sealing air ducts will depend on the size of the house, complexity of the ducts, and degree of sealing needed. It is important to note that sealing works best on properly sized duct systems.
Working in tight or uncomfortable spaces may also be required for this process, which can be difficult and potentially dangerous for an inexperienced person. In conclusion, air duct sealing is a great way to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this process. It is recommended that you consult a CEC approved contractor who can repair and seal your ducts according to CEC's high efficiency requirements.
