Understanding the Process of AeroSeal Duct Sealing
In South Florida, summers get very hot and humid and your AC gets cranked up to the maximum. We often experience an increase in our summer energy bills but if your bill is even higher than normal or your home doesn’t feel as cool as usual, it might be because of leaking air ducts.
The pipes that carry cooled air throughout your home may be losing some of that air to the attic. If this sounds like you, then it’s time to consider AeroSeal™ duct sealing.
Why Are The Ducts Leaking Anyway?
Many homeowners assume their ducts are not leaking. No one has touched them since they were installed, right? That might be true, but some physics comes into play here.
Ducting is almost always found in the attic or crawl spaces above ceilings. In the height of summer, these areas can get up to around 140°. The process of heating and cooling creates micro-movements in the joints of the aluminum ducting. As the parts move over time, small leaks develop where the joints become loosened.
Some tears also develop in the flexible foil ducting. Many leaks at these joints and tears can contribute to a substantial loss of pressure in the system.
How The AeroSeal™ Process Works
Step 1:
Since the system is suffering from a loss in pressure, that is where we start. All supply grills and vents are sealed. This creates a pressurized system that we can then measure.
We measure the system pressure before doing anything so that we have a benchmark to compare against. Internal components of the HVAC are sealed off for their protection.
Step 2:
Depending on the size of your Air Conditioning system, the process can take anywhere from 1 hour to several. After establishing the system’s baseline pressure, we begin releasing the AeroSeal™ duct sealing formula into the ducts. The specialized polymer acts by the micro particles attaching to the edges of the leaking area of the duct.
More particles then get stuck onto the first lot and so the process continues until the leak is completely sealed. We’re able to measure the pressure increases so that we know when the leaks are all sealed up.
Step 3:
Once the cleanup is complete, AeroSeal™ comes with a 10-year warranty on the product and the seals that it creates.
Some final pressure tests are then conducted. We do this to show you a before and after comparison of the pressure in the air conditioning system.
With an average loss of 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM), we have seen AeroSeal™ reduce the loss to as low as 19 CFM.
The Benefits Of AeroSeal™ Duct Sealing
There are quite a few impressive benefits to sealing your AC ducts with AeroSeal™.
Completely Safe & Non-Toxic
AeroSeal™ has been used in some children’s hospitals. The active material of the sealant formula can be found in hairspray and chewing gum and is non-toxic.
Reduction Of Allergens
When the ducts of your AC system are better sealed, allergens such as pollen, dust, and dander can’t creep into the system. An added benefit is that a sealed duct system keeps the crawlspaces well ventilated. This reduces the formation of mold and mildew, a well-known respiratory irritant and danger to asthma sufferers.
Lower Energy Bills
In some cases, around 20% of your home’s cooling capacity may be lost to leaks in the ducting system. This means that your air conditioning system has to use more energy to cool your home. With leaks sealed up, you will save a few dollars on your energy bill.
AeroSeal™ Comfort Consultants In South Florida
If you’d like to get a quote on AeroSeal™ for your home or business in South Florida, give us a call at 1-800-475-1504. If you’d like to see a bit more of our work, have a look at our Facebook page. Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric has been serving the Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward County area since 1983.
