How Duct Sealing can Improve Your Air Conditioner

Preventive air conditioning maintenance is always a good idea right around this time of year. You want to be sure that your air conditioner is in good enough condition to cope with the added stress of summer. However, that’s not the only thing you should be doing to make sure that your system is in good shape. You should also have your ducts sealed every few years. Read on to find out how duct sealing can drastically improve your air conditioner efficiency.


 

Duct Leaks

Ducts are extremely prone to leaks, especially older ones. After years of normal use, they are known to open up leaks from expanding and contracting with the temperature of the air. While each individual leak tends to be small, they have a large cumulative effect. The US Department of Energy has estimated that the average forced air system loses up to 30% of its total output to duct leaks. That means every time you turn on your air conditioner, almost a third of the output is going to waste before it reaches its destination. Your air conditioner will have to operate for longer to compensate, which means a lot of money wasted. This is why duct sealing is so important.
 

Duct Sealing

The most typical way for duct sealing to take place is with painting mastic into the leaks. Mastic is a type of epoxy that, once dry, stiffens and seals the leak. Depending on how severe a leak is, the mastic may be supplemented with regulation metallic duct tape. This should be done every couple of years, in order to address new leaks that will form over time. Duct sealing will help make your home more comfortable, and your air conditioner more efficient.
 

Magnolia Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive duct sealing services throughout Gaithersburg, MD. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.