Seal Off Your Washington DC Home With Duct Insulation This Winter

Exposed ductwork is a trendy industrial aesthetic in many Washington D.C. restaurants and workspaces. But in your home, ducts (often hidden behind your walls) are all about functionality.

These important systems weave through your home to circulate the air supplied by your heating and ventilation (HVAC) system. If they are not properly sealed and insulated, you risk leaks, condensation build-up and temperature dips. This all adds up to one thing: energy loss. Before you let your money fly out the window (or out of the duct, in this case), enlist the help of a professional contractor to properly seal your home.

Does Sealing Ductwork Save Money?

If you’re looking at hiring a contractor, you may be concerned for your wallet. However, duct leaks are a cause for concern on their own. Without appropriate insulators, the air in your ducts cannot maintain a regulated temperature. So when the ducts cool off, they could be blowing out cold air when you need warmth (or vice versa).

Ductwork also prevents condensation caused by cool air moving through warm areas. This moisture can create mold, damage and more inefficiency. Well-insulated ducts can save 25 to 35 percent on your utility bills by preventing these risks.

How to Seal Ductwork

First, your qualified contractor will repair any possible duct leaks. Typically, they will use a material like mastic, which is brushed onto the duct and then dried for a day. They may also use metal-backed tape. Though the name is misleading, you can’t patch the problem with traditional duct tape, which will fall off in extreme temperature fluctuations.

Secondly, your contractor will install ductwork insulation. They may use fiberglass, which is typically less expensive and easy to install and replace. Another option is loose fill, which is similar to fiberglass, and also may become wet and packed if it is in contact with moisture.

The third option is duct wrap. This is made out of bubble-spaced foils and contains no fibers. This is ideal in moist climates, since it will not retain any condensation.

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