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The Advantages of Using Duct Sealant

Not to be confused with duct tape, duct sealants (an expandable foam that dries into a solid) seal leaks in an air duct that may be causing heat to be lost, therefore increasing the cost of heating. Although duct tape can repair a lot of things, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory conducted a study on what materials were the best for to seal ducts. The only material to completely fail the test was duct tape.
  1. Cost

    • Running heating or air conditioning, in any environment, is costly. The power required to heat or cool a home can be expensive, and homeowners want to get the most for their money. On a commercial scale, it becomes vitally important to get the most for your money as the costs are increased. Having a leaking duct can reduce the effectiveness of a system by up to 20 percent, according to Daviddarling.info. In a residential home, this can translate to more than $150 wasted annually, which could be prevented by using a duct sealant.

    Health

    • Fresh air, free from contaminants, is directly linked to health. By using duct sealant and preventing any leaks within a heating or cooling duct, the likelihood of contaminants entering the system is reduced. Air leaks can result in back drafts. This is when air contaminants, such as smoke, chemicals and gases, are caught by a leak in the duct and brought back into the building. This problem affects commercial properties and also residential properties, where fumes from a gas stove or fireplace can also be drawn back into the home, having a negative impact on the occupants' health.

    Environmentally Friendly

    • Using duct sealant is environmentally friendly in several ways. Firstly, by using sealant to improve the life span of an air conditioning or heating system, you don't have to buy a new system. This reduces the consumption of raw materials. Secondly, by increasing effectiveness of the system, you need less power overall. If there is a leak in the duct system, variations in temperature can occur, and you may need to use more appliances to maintain a comfortable temperature. Using a duct sealant will help you control the temperature.