Why is duct sealing a critical issue these days? First of all, energy costs are rising steadily and heating/cooling is usually the biggest single household energy consumer. Second, aging, leaky ductwork is generally considered the weakest link in HVAC efficiency. Residential ducts leak heated and cooled air at startling rates: Basic research conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy reveals that fully 30% to 40% of conditioned air produced by the average home furnace or air conditioner leaks out of ductwork and never contributes to maintenance of household temperature or comfort.
The Bad Old Days
In a bygone era of cheap energy, home builders often treated HVAC ductwork as a cost-cutting opportunity. Frequently, ducts were not fabricated to last the life of the home and, after installation, never tested for leakage. Now, however, building codes mandate testing and sealing of ductwork in new construction and before installing new equipment in an existing house.
Efficiency Lost and Found
If your home was built more than 10 years ago, duct sealing can help restore energy-efficiency you’ve probably lost over the years due to leaky ducts. This, in turn, saves money by lowering HVAC operating costs. First, the rate of leakage must be verified with a duct pressure test by a qualified HVAC contractor. After closing all vents, a blower fan is connected to ductwork and pressure sensors placed inside the ducts. The system is lightly pressurized with air and a computer calculates the exact rate of leakage. If that figure exceeds present recommended standards, duct sealing is usually indicated. A typical procedure includes:
- Sealing all joints with mastic and aluminum tape, then mechanically securing each joint with sheet metal screws.
- Cutting out and replacing any spans of duct that are corroded or rusted beyond repair.
- Replacing flex duct that has kinked or collapsed over the years.
- To address large numbers of pinhole leaks, aerosol spray coating may be injected into the ductwork to seal internal surfaces.
Ask Paitson Bros., your Wabash Valley heating and cooling source since 1922, about testing and duct sealing to restore optimum efficiency to your home HVAC system.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about duct sealing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
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Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922