As a homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to cut down on energy bills and improve your home’s overall efficiency. While products like energy-efficient appliances and insulation are at the top of the list, another important factor to consider is air duct quality.
Sealing your air ducts properly enhances energy efficiency, improves the indoor air quality, and contributes to your overall comfort in your home. Duct sealing also prevents energy waste and helps your HVAC system perform optimally, reducing strain on the equipment.
What Is Duct Sealing?
Think of your air ducts as the hidden freeways of your home’s HVAC system. These pathways bring cool and warm air from your furnace or air conditioner to different rooms in your home. However, if an air duct has holes, leaks, or cracks, a significant amount of that air escapes into the walls, basement, or attic.
Duct sealing is the process of closing these holes or cracks in your home’s air duct system. Sealing these leaks helps your home’s HVAC system work as it was designed to, delivering consistent airflow to every room.
How Leaky Ducts Increase Energy Bills
According to ENERGY STAR, 20% to 30% of air that moves through a duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poor connections. This strain on your HVAC system leads to increased wear and tear, frequent repairs, and a shorter service life.
The last thing you want to deal with is leaky air ducts and high energy bills. Air leaks cause wasted energy, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and contribute to a high energy bill. Improved energy efficiency doesn’t just help your wallet — it also reduces your carbon footprint, making your home more green.
How Do I Know If My Air Ducts Need Sealing?
Here are some common signs that your air ducts need sealing services from an HVAC professional:
- A higher than usual energy bill
- Rooms are difficult to cool or heat
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- Excessive dust build-up in your home
- Air ducts are in the basement, attic, or garage
- Strange noises coming from the HVAC system
- Bad odors coming from the air ducts
Another way to determine if air ducts need sealing is with a DIY pressurization test. Turn off your HVAC system and shut all doors, windows, and flues in your home. Next, turn on your exhaust fans and light a stick of incense near the vent that blows air indoors. If the smoke starts to blow toward that vent, chances are you have a leak in that air duct.
How Duct Sealing Improves Energy Efficiency
How does duct sealing improve energy efficiency? Sealing helps prevent air loss in your home and allows your HVAC system to use less energy to maintain a consistent temperature. By sealing unwanted leaks, more conditioned air reaches the intended rooms and helps your HVAC system run efficiently. Your HVAC system’s runtime is reduced, ultimately consuming less energy.
The Cost Savings of Professional Duct Sealing
The cost savings from duct sealing can quickly offset the initial fee. Investing in professional duct sealing leads to long-term, substantial energy savings. Homeowners typically see savings of 10% to 20% on their energy bills, leading to hundreds of dollars per year in reduced energy costs. This percentage could be higher depending on the severity of your air leak.
Additionally, a proper duct sealing service increases the service life of your HVAC unit and prevents costly repairs down the road. You may even be eligible for a duct sealing tax rebate of 30% from the U.S. Department of Energy. These incentives make duct sealing a smart financial investment while contributing to a comfortable, energy-efficient home.
Is Duct Sealing Worth It for Your Home?
Duct sealing is one of the most effective ways to lower your energy bill, boost energy efficiency, extend the service life of your HVAC system, and improve the air quality and comfort of your home. Addressing leaky air ducts as soon as possible helps you save money and enjoy clean, conditioned air.
Contact Trilogy AC for Duct Sealing Services
The Trilogy AC team has more than 10 years of experience in providing HVAC services in Katy, Cypress, Jersey Village, Houston, and the surrounding areas. Our certified technicians will make sure your air duct system is properly sealed and working at peak performance. Contact us today for a duct sealing service to reduce energy waste and lower your utility bills.
