Sealing A Leaking HVAC System
If your HVAC system is currently leaking, you're undoubtedly losing a lot of energy. Whether you're trying to heat or cool your home, much of the air could be dispersed throughout the structure of your property -- both increasing your utility bills and reducing the comfort of your home. Luckily, sealing a leaking HVAC system usually isn't that hard. You just need to determine the source of the leak.
Finding the Leaks in an HVAC System
How can you determine whether your HVAC system could be leaking? Leaks can occur throughout an HVAC system for a variety of reasons: old duct work, pests, or even natural damage. One of the easiest ways to find a leak in an HVAC system is to call a professional in to do a scan of your home. HVAC professionals are able to look for hot or cool spots throughout a property, which could indicate that air is flowing in areas that it should not. Once the leak has actually been pinpointed, it can then be addressed.
Most HVAC systems should be inspected on an annual basis. At the same time, they can be cleaned out thoroughly with professional equipment. These inspections will generally include checks for leaks and other repairable issues.
Sealing Up Leaks in an HVAC System
Leaks that occur throughout the duct work of an HVAC system are usually sealed by either replacing the ducts themselves -- if the duct has been perforated -- or by using sealing tape around the edges. Ducts that have been bent or otherwise deformed can be repaired with the use of a hammer or pliers, and loose ducts can be secured together with something called duct zip ties.
Even replacing a section of ducting is usually a fairly trivial task, though it does depend on where the duct is that needs to be replaced. Flexible ducts tend to be far easier to install than straight ducts. Rarely, the leaks may not be in the duct work itself but instead where the heating or cooling system attaches to the duct. With the right sealant, this is a fast and simple repair.
If you still feel as though you're losing energy through your home's ducts, you may want to inquire about insulation. Insulation can be easily installed around your ducts to make sure that the energy is properly captured. Regardless, a residential HVAC repair company should be able to advise you on the best course of action for your home.