Created with Lunacy
Created with Lunacy

How to Check Your Air Ducts

Date: 11/14/2019

How to Check Your Air Ducts

Author: upwardengine
Date: 11/14/2019

Checking your ducts for air leaks is something every homeowner and business owner should know. First, look for sections that should be joined, but have separated and then look for obvious holes, If you use tape to seal your ducts, avoid cloth-backed, rubber adhesive duct tape, which tends to fail quickly. We recommend other products to seal ducts: mastic, butyl tape, foil tape, or other heat-approved tapes.

Remember that insulating ducts in the basement will make the basement colder. If both the ducts and the basement walls are uninsulated, consider insulating both. Be sure a well-sealed vapor barrier exists on the outside of the insulation on cooling ducts to prevent moisture buildup. When doing ductwork, be sure to get professional help. Changes and repairs to a duct system should always be performed by a qualified professional.

Ducts that don’t work properly can create serious, life-threatening carbon monoxide (CO) problems in the home. Install a carbon monoxide monitor to alert you to harmful carbon monoxide levels if you have a fuel-burning furnace, stove or other appliance, or an attached garage.

Insulating and sealing air leaks will enhance your home’s energy performance.

Checking your ducts for air leaks is something every homeowner and business owner should know. First, look for sections that should be joined, but have separated and then look for obvious holes, If you use tape to seal your ducts, avoid cloth-backed, rubber adhesive duct tape, which tends to fail quickly. We recommend other products to seal ducts: mastic, butyl tape, foil tape, or other heat-approved tapes.

Remember that insulating ducts in the basement will make the basement colder. If both the ducts and the basement walls are uninsulated, consider insulating both. Be sure a well-sealed vapor barrier exists on the outside of the insulation on cooling ducts to prevent moisture buildup. When doing ductwork, be sure to get professional help. Changes and repairs to a duct system should always be performed by a qualified professional.

Ducts that don’t work properly can create serious, life-threatening carbon monoxide (CO) problems in the home. Install a carbon monoxide monitor to alert you to harmful carbon monoxide levels if you have a fuel-burning furnace, stove or other appliance, or an attached garage.

Insulating and sealing air leaks will enhance your home’s energy performance.