Water-based putty duct sealant is the best choice for sealing air ducts because it cleans more easily and will hold on for a long time. You can apply it with a simple brush or a caulking gun, although it's not necessary. It's important to use quality duct sealing compounds to ensure proper sealing. Silicone-based duct sealant is easily applied with a putty gun and will cover cracks and holes, keeping moisture at bay.
You can also use high-quality adhesive tape, putty, or Aeroseal sealant for best results. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so let's take an in-depth look at what technique you could use and why. Sealing air ducts can help reduce your home's energy consumption by up to 30 percent. This translates into significant savings over several months.
Aeroseal is effective because it properly seals ducts to prevent outside air or dust from entering the pipes and spreading throughout the house. A much better long-term solution would be to ask a professional to apply liquid rubber sealant throughout the system. This will help you see immediate savings on your energy bills, especially if your ducts were seriously compromised. Moisture can seep through ducts, which can cause mold to form and affect indoor air quality and the general health of the occupants of the house.
Leaks are a common problem in many homes; poorly sealed duct systems have been reported to lose about 40 percent of heating or cooling energy. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace ducts completely if the leaks are too numerous to be repaired. Because ductwork is often hidden in walls, ceilings, attics, and basements, repairing them can be difficult. Start by sealing air leaks with putty or metal tape and insulate any ducts you can access (such as those in attics, mezzanines, unfinished basements, and garages).
Sealing air ducts offers a multitude of additional advantages beyond improving airflow efficiency. Not only that, but inefficient adhesive tape applications will shorten the life of your HVAC system, so adhesive tape should only be used as a temporary solution. Duct leaks allow contaminated air to enter the system, increasing contaminants inside the house, such as dust, dirt and other particles that decrease air quality.
