If your heating and cooling costs seem to have risen lately, you may have a problem with the system that is causing it to be less efficient. One element that many people neglect to inspect and care for is the ductwork that carries the heat and cool air throughout the home. Here, you'll find out how to find the leaks in the ductwork and make the necessary repairs.
Find the Leaks
To find the leaks you'll need a few supplies: bucket, paintbrush, water, dish soap and a permanent marker. Pour some of the dish soap into the bucket and add just a little water. You want a thick water and soap mixture that will be thick enough to stick to the duct work without dripping all over the place.
Close the vents throughout your home to increase the air pressure in the ductwork. Next, turn on the system's fan at your thermostat. Take your bucket and your paintbrush and begin painting the mixture onto the seams starting at a point closest to the furnace. Watch for bubbles to form – when you see bubbles, air is leaking from the seam. Mark it with the marker and continue checking the rest of the duct work.
Repairing the Leaks
Once you've located the leaks, it's time to get busy repairing them. You'll need a few supplies: paintbrush, putty knife, fiberglass tape, duct mastic and caulking.
Leaks that have formed along the seams and joints can be repaired easily using the ductwork caulk. Remove the old caulking and wipe the area clean. When it's dry, apply the caulking and smooth it out with the putty knife. You may need to coat the seal with multiple layers if the leak is bad.
Leaks that have formed in areas of flex duct need to be repaired using mastic. Apply the mastic to the leak with a paintbrush. If the leak is substantial, you will need to cover the mastic with fiberglass tape and coat with a second layer of mastic.
If you aren't sure if you are up to the task of inspecting and repairing the leaks in your ductwork, contact local air duct sealing services. He or she will not only be able to assist you with finding the leaks in the ductwork that is easily visible to you, but will also be able to identify problems that could be contributing to the rising heating and cooling costs you've been experiencing.