How to Seal and Insulate Ductwork DIY Skills



Many home owners in the USA wonder how crucial it is to seal and insulate their air ducts. According to the Department of Energy, on average, 30% of cooled or heated air is lost through leaky ductways. Therefore, it becomes more than necessary to have them sealed and insulated if you are looking for a home warranty in the USA. Let’s understand how to seal and insulate your air ducts DIY.

How Do I Seal Air Ducts?

First off, you need to inspect the air ducts for leaks. According to an assessment, the home energy score guidelines mandate duct sealing to reduce air loss from ducts to 3% of total flow. Sealing tightly helps homeowners improve their energy score by reducing air loss.

Another thing to remember is having personal safety when sealing these ducts. Use caution in attic or basement spaces, and call a contractor if unsealed ducts are difficult to access or if mold, leaks, or other issues are found.

  1. Inspect ducts for major holes due to rust or damage.

  2. Ensure ducts, seams, and joints are in good condition.

  3. Detect leaks by constantly blowing the HVAC system.

  4. Mark areas needing sealing with a grease pencil.

  5. Seal seams and joints, along with obvious leaks.

  6. Use duct mastic, tube mastic, or foil-backed mastic tape for sealing.

  7. Both Mastic and Mastic Tape are sufficient for duct sealing under the Home Energy Score assessment guidelines.

Seal ducts in unfinished basements to reduce winter coldness. Consider adding wall insulation for added improvements before listing your home for sale. Elite Home Warranty, a premium home warranty company in the USA, can help you with the coverage of installation and maintenance of the newly installed ducts.

How Do I Install The Ducts?

Alright, once the ducts are sealed properly, it’s time to snug them up with some insulation. This can further reduce the loss of heat through the ducts as well as improve the overall efficiency of your HVAC system.

  1. Choose cost-effective, heat-resistant, and R-6-rated fiberglass bats.

  2. Gather safety goggles and a breathing mask.

  3. Cut rolled insulation to the correct size and secure it around ducts.

  4. Cut insulation snugly around the duct, not compressed.

  5. Secure the insulation with foil tape across the seam.

  6. Seal the entire seam with foil tape.

  7. Repeat until all exposed ducts are covered.

  8. Double-check for secure sealing of every seam and joint to prevent moisture from penetrating and condensing.

Some Additional Tips

  • Unfinished basements and garages can increase heating bills and lower energy scores by up to 30%. Remove or seal these vents permanently.

  • Upgrade your HVAC units to improve efficiency by up to 35%. Older models are less energy efficient.

  • Consult the manufacturer for recommended maintenance schedules and service professionals.

  • Keep units clean and clear of debris, leaves, and dust, and have ducts cleaned every 3-5 years.

Wrapping Up

A properly maintained HVAC system with efficient air ducts can help you in the long run and provide a better home selling rate after inspection. Therefore, get them done today. For installation and maintenance coverages along with a home warranty in the USA, visit Elite Home Warranty!
Location: United States

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