With summer almost upon us, it’s time to start making sure that your air conditioner is ready for the hottest days of the year. Annual maintenance and timely repairs are obviously both a good idea. However, there is one thing you can do to improve your air conditioner efficiency that most people never think about: duct sealing. Read on to find out more about duct sealing, and how it can help your air conditioner keep you cool this summer.
Duct Leaks
Ducts are actually a pretty vulnerable part of your HVAC system. Most of the time, they are installed without being properly sealed. Add to that that they can work themselves loose over years of expanding and contracting, and it becomes pretty easy for leaks to form. While this may not seem like a big deal, it actually has a huge effect on your heating and cooling systems. The US Department of Energy has estimated that as much as 30% of a system’s output is lost to leaks in the ductwork. That’s almost a third of all the air conditioning you pay for lost before it ever reaches you.
Duct Sealing
During a duct sealing appointment, your HVAC technician will isolate and seal all leaks in your ducts. Despite its name, duct tape is rarely used for this kind of procedure. Instead, a substance called “mastic” is painted over the leak. Once dry, it forms an airtight seal that is also slightly flexible. Once this process is completed, you should notice a substantial increase in the amount of output your air conditioner can supply to your home.
If you’ve never had your ducts checked for leaks, call Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. We provide duct sealing services throughout Lake City, FL.