Duct Sealing as an Essential Service

4 Reasons to Offer This Service to Homeowners

With essential services being defined very specifically by the response to COVID-19, Aeroseal’s recent webinar discussed how duct sealing is an untapped opportunity that HVAC contractors should consider.

Tracy Martin led the discussion with Jeff Howard, an HVAC Comfort Engineer with William’s Comfort Air, one of Aeroseal’s top dealers.

The coronavirus has been the topic of discussion worldwide for the last 12 months. This has shifted how we look at the world. Homeowners are spending even more time inside their homes — working and taking virtual classes. It’s making the value placed on comfort and having cleaner, healthier indoor air more of a priority than ever.

HVAC is an Essential Service Air conditioning systems have played a historic role in daily life. In fact, there is a direct correlation between productivity and HVAC. Without AC, the modern economy could not function.

One of the most critical components of an HVAC system is the ventilation. Proper ventilation provides air circulation, creating a more balanced comfort level, better air quality, and efficiency in a home.

“The more comfortable we are, the more productive we tend to be.”

Small Duct Leakage, Big Issues Duct leakage causes a system to work harder than necessary. This can lead to a decrease in equipment lifespan.

Duct leakage adds up quickly and so does the impact:

• Just 100 CFM of duct leakage can create 10 gallons of moisture in the duct system in most markets in a 24-hour timeframe.

  • In high-humidity markets like Florida and Texas, it came create even more than 10 gallons.

• 3 Ton System Example Meeting ACCA Standards (6%):

  • 1200 CFMs x .06 = 72 CFMs

  • 72 CFMs = 13 sq in hole

  • 1 sq in impact in duct is equal to 30 sq in hole in structure

    • Due to mechanical pressure.

Duct Connections Create Leakage Duct sealing seals off the leakage anywhere air escapes from the duct work. Ductwork is compiled of metal on metal connections (or connection of new materials) that lead the air to the right areas in the home.

“The average three-ton systems has 50-80 connection points. Leaks can add up to .5% at each connection.”

Many small leaks can add up to a lot of leakage in one duct system.

Duct Sealing Hasn’t Always Been Required IECC continues to drive sealing and testing verifications as codes continually get tighter. This timeline shows how new construction standards have changed over time:

The beginning of code enforcement started in 2009. Ducts in newly built homes before then were most likely not sealed because it was not a requirement. According to a study done in 2016, 96 percent of occupied homes were built in 2009 or prior, making more than 115 million homes not requiring duct sealing. This is a big opportunity for contractors to consider.

The Duct Sealing Opportunity For contractors, this opportunity offers added revenue and growth potential. This can lead to higher ticket values, differentiation against other businesses in the industry. Homeowners will receive confidence and satisfaction with the services placed in their home; results include HVAC systems operating properly, increased comfort, and healthier indoor air.

Watch the full-length recording of the webinar below.