Right around this time of year, everyone starts to make preparations to keep their homes warm over the next few months. That’s a good idea, to be sure, but it’s not the only thing that you need to be worried about. A heater needs the cooperation of a number of other parts in order to properly heat your home. In many cases, the ducts are a part of that equation. Duct sealing is one of the best ways to make sure your heating system is ready for the coming cold.
Duct Leaks
Let’s get into the reason duct sealing is necessary in the first place. Ducts are very, very prone to leaks. Whether from minor issues during installation, or years of normal use, or even animal activity, the average home’s ducts tend to have at least a few leaks in them. Each individual leak may be small, but they have a pretty large cumulative effect. The US Department of Energy has estimated that the average forced air climate control system loses as much as 30% of its total output to leaks in the ducts. That’s almost a third of the total output that you’re paying for going to waste before it reaches its destination. This is why duct sealing is necessary.
Duct Sealing
Mastic, which is a type of caulk, is often used to seal duct leaks. The mastic is squirted into the leak, then sculpted to ensure that the leak is completely sealed. In the case of more extreme leaks, regulation duct tape is often used to reinforce the mastic. This can restore your lost output, and make your heater that much more efficient this winter.
Magnolia Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers duct sealing services throughout Silver Spring, MD. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians.
