Sealing ducts is a task that can be done without the need for special tools or skills. However, it is important to use the right materials and techniques to ensure a reliable seal. Putty is a great option for sealing air ducts, as it is usually cheaper than tapes and other types of sealants, but equally effective in creating a secure seal. It is recommended that you wear disposable gloves while using the putty.
Despite its name, it's not approved for sealing ducts and doesn't hold up well in the long term. Depending on your specific situation, you can use a putty to repair small holes and cracks in metal ducts, or a putty sealant to repair larger holes in metal or flexible ducts. If that doesn't work, it means that the duct network didn't work well right from the start: the metal doesn't shrink too much. When you need to change the ducts, you can cut the putty with a knife or cut it with your fingers. The main differences between putty for sealing ducts and putty for plumbers are the ingredients used to make it and their melting points.
Putty for sealing air ducts is ideal for these situations, as it is usually cheaper than tapes and other types of sealants, but equally effective in creating a reliable seal. Air ducts often contain dust, debris, pet dander, allergens, dirt, and many harmful microorganisms that can cause many allergies. To maintain your ventilation system, you should rely only on technicians certified by National Air Duct Cleaners of America (NADCA), such as those from Alpha Air Corporation. Despite the name, duct tape is a terrible tool for sealing ducts (temperature changes mean it will probably come loose again in a few days). This is considered the internal sealing of the ducts using a technology and is carried out by an authorized professional. When hot or cold air comes out of the ducts, especially in the basement and attic, the boiler or air conditioner has to run longer (and consume more fuel) for the living room in the house to reach the temperature indicated on the thermostat.
Do this immediately if you hear a whistle coming from the ducts, indicating that there is an air gap, or if your energy bills suddenly increase without you realizing it. That means it would take you 3 to 4 years to pay the additional cost of hiring a company like Aeroseal to seal your air ducts. You probably don't need this type of service unless your ducts are very old and difficult to repair or replace. Sealing air ducts is an important part of maintaining your home's ventilation system. It helps keep your home comfortable and energy efficient by preventing air leaks and ensuring that hot or cold air reaches its destination without any loss of energy.
To ensure that your air ducts are properly sealed, you need to use the right materials and tools. Putty is an excellent option for sealing air ducts as it is usually cheaper than tapes and other types of sealants but equally effective in creating a secure seal. When using putty for sealing air ducts, make sure to wear disposable gloves as it can be quite messy. It's also important to note that despite its name, duct tape isn't suitable for sealing air ducts. This type of tape isn't designed to withstand temperature changes which means it will likely come loose again after a few days. If you're looking for an alternative solution to sealing air ducts, consider hiring an authorized professional who specializes in this type of service.
Companies like Aeroseal offer specialized services that can help you save money on energy bills by sealing your air ducts quickly and efficiently. This type of service may be more expensive upfront but can save you money in the long run.
