Ductwork Sealing
Ductwork Sealing | Heating and Air Conditioning | Oak Ridge
Leaky ducts can drain comfort and cash from your Oak Ridge home, forcing your heating and air conditioning system to work overtime while still leaving rooms unevenly warmed or cooled. HEP’s certified technicians track down hidden gaps, seal them with advanced Aeroseal technology, and verify the results on the spot, restoring full airflow and reclaiming energy you’re already paying for.
From quieter operation and cleaner indoor air to lower monthly utility bills, the benefits of professionally sealed ductwork show up the very first season. Trust the local team that knows Oak Ridge weather inside and out—HEP keeps your family cozy in winter, refreshed in summer, and confident that your heating and air conditioning investment is performing at its peak.
FAQs
Why is ductwork sealing important for my home in Oak Ridge?
Leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape into attics, crawlspaces, or wall cavities instead of reaching your living areas. In Oak Ridge’s humid summers and chilly winters, that air loss forces your HVAC system to run longer, raising energy bills by 20–30 %. Properly sealed ducts improve comfort, help your system maintain even temperatures, lower utility costs, and keep out dust, allergens, and moisture that can encourage mold growth.
How can I tell if my ducts need sealing?
Typical warning signs include rooms that are difficult to heat or cool, uneven temperatures between floors, excessive dust, whistling or rattling sounds from vents, and higher-than-normal electric or gas bills. A professional inspection with a duct blaster or pressure pan test can measure actual leakage and pinpoint gaps, torn connections, or failed tape joints that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
What methods and materials do you use to seal ducts?
Our technicians start with a camera or smoke test to locate leaks, then mechanically fasten loose joints and repair damaged sections. We apply UL-181 mastic sealant or metal-backed foil tape on seams and follow with an Aeroseal computer-controlled aerosol treatment if hidden leaks remain. All materials meet Tennessee mechanical code requirements, are low-VOC, and rated for both heating and cooling temperatures.
How much can I save on energy bills after duct sealing?
Savings vary with the size of the leak and the efficiency of your HVAC equipment, but Oak Ridge homeowners typically see 10–25 % lower heating and cooling costs. TVA’s EnergyRight data show that sealing ducts in a 2,000 sq ft home can shave $150–$300 per year off utility bills while also reducing wear on the compressor and furnace, extending equipment life.
How long does the duct sealing process take and will it disrupt my household?
A standard single-zone system takes 3–6 hours. We isolate each duct run, seal, and re-test pressure to verify results on the same visit. Because most work occurs in the attic, basement, or crawlspace, household disruption is minimal. You can stay inside, and the HVAC can usually operate between test phases so comfort is not compromised.
Is duct sealing compatible with my existing HVAC system, and do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Sealing is a non-invasive upgrade that works with any brand of heat pump, furnace, or air conditioner without changing equipment settings. After completion we provide a detailed leakage report and a 10-year workmanship warranty on all mastic, tape, and Aeroseal applications. Most manufacturers honor their original equipment warranties, and many utility rebate programs in Oak Ridge require or reward documented duct sealing.