# How to Seal an A/C Air Return
An air conditioning return is a ducting path that draws air from within a home to be cooled. These ducts, like all ventilation, must be free of leaks to ensure the efficient performance of the air conditioner. Repairing these ducts when they are damaged or leaking is a common home repair job that requires no special skills or training. The sealing of these ducts provides energy savings because the air conditioner does not need to work as hard to circulate the air within a home.
Things You'll Need
- Ladder (if necessary)
- Metal repair tape or duct mastic
- Ducting sheet metal
Instructions
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1
Follow the return ducting from the air conditioner to its end point.
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2
Note all openings or leaks in the ducting, and identify them with a marker if necessary.
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3
Cover each hole with a sufficient amount of the metal repair tape or duct mastic. In some cases, the tape may need to be run completely around the duct to ensure a firm covering of the leak. In the event of larger leaks, place a small piece of ducting sheet metal over the hole and tape it firmly in place.
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4
Reexamine the entire run of ducting to verify all leaks were found, including the connection to the air conditioner
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1
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