Understanding the Hidden Energy Loss in Your Home
Your home’s ductwork operates like the respiratory system of your HVAC equipment, delivering conditioned air throughout every room. When these ducts develop leaks, gaps, or poor connections, you’re essentially paying to heat and cool your attic, crawl spaces, and wall cavities instead of your living areas. Studies from the Department of Energy reveal that typical homes lose 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through their duct systems due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. This means nearly a third of your heating and cooling costs could be escaping through unsealed ductwork.
At Local Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ve discovered that even newer homes in the Leander, Liberty Hill, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Brushy Creek, & Jollyville, TX area often suffer from significant duct leakage. During our comprehensive inspections, we frequently find disconnected ducts, poorly sealed joints, and deteriorating tape that was supposed to create airtight connections. These issues don’t just waste energy – they also force your HVAC system to work harder, reducing its lifespan and requiring more frequent duct repairs. Our NATE Certified technicians use advanced diagnostic equipment to identify every leak point, ensuring we address all problem areas during the sealing process.
The Professional Duct Sealing Process
When you schedule duct sealing with us, we begin with a thorough inspection using specialized cameras and pressure testing equipment. This diagnostic phase allows us to map out your entire duct system and identify specific areas where air loss occurs. We typically complete this initial assessment and the entire sealing process within our standard 1-2 day turnaround time, minimizing disruption to your daily routine. Our technicians access ducts through existing openings whenever possible, though sometimes we need to create small access points that we professionally seal after completing the work.
The actual sealing process involves multiple steps and materials, depending on the type and severity of the leaks we discover. For small gaps and joints, we apply mastic sealant – a thick, paste-like substance that hardens to create permanent, flexible seals. Unlike duct tape, which deteriorates over time, mastic maintains its integrity for decades. For larger gaps or disconnected sections, we may need to mechanically fasten ducts before sealing. We also address insulation issues during this process, as poorly insulated ducts can cause condensation problems that lead to mold growth and further deterioration.
Advanced Sealing Technologies and Materials
Modern duct sealing has evolved far beyond simple tape and caulk solutions. We utilize aerosol-based sealants for hard-to-reach areas within your ductwork. This innovative technology involves temporarily blocking your registers and injecting polymer particles that automatically seek out and seal leaks from the inside. The particles accumulate at leak points, building up until the holes are completely sealed. This method proves especially effective for sealing multiple small leaks throughout the system that would be impossible to access manually.
We service all makes and models of duct systems, from traditional sheet metal to modern flexible ducting. Each material requires specific sealing approaches and compatible products.
- Sheet metal ducts: require mastic sealant reinforced with fiberglass mesh tape at all joints and connections
- Flexible ducts: need proper support to prevent sagging, along with mechanical fasteners and mastic at all connection points
- Fiberboard ducts: demand special sealants that won’t deteriorate the material while providing lasting adhesion
Measuring Results and Long-Term Benefits
After completing the sealing process, we conduct post-sealing tests to verify the improvement in your system’s efficiency. Using the same diagnostic equipment from our initial inspection, we measure the reduction in air leakage, typically achieving 70 to 90 percent improvement in severely leaking systems. These measurable results translate directly into energy savings, with most homeowners throughout Leander, TX, and surrounding areas experiencing 20 to 30 percent reductions in their heating and cooling costs.
Beyond immediate energy savings, properly sealed ducts provide numerous long-term benefits that enhance your year round comfort. Your HVAC system operates more efficiently, maintaining consistent temperatures throughout your home without hot or cold spots. Indoor air quality improves significantly as sealed ducts prevent dust, insulation particles, and other contaminants from entering your air supply. Additionally, proper sealing reduces strain on your equipment, extending its operational life and reducing the frequency of repairs. With our fair pricing and free estimates on new system installations, we ensure that investing in duct sealing provides excellent value. Our 24/7 emergency service means we’re always available when unexpected issues arise, though properly sealed ducts significantly reduce the likelihood of system failures. We are the best of the best at identifying and resolving duct leakage issues that compromise your home’s comfort and efficiency.
