Diverse approaches. There are many types of piping systems for endless applications. The same applies to pipe sealing and how it affects system efficiency and energy savings.
After laboratory testing, the efficiency of the HVAC system reached its maximum under nearly ideal conditions. Reproducing these results in the real world requires knowledge and effort in installing and maintaining the system. An important part of real efficiency is the ductwork. There are many types of duct systems for endless applications. This is often a topic that HVAC contractors can argue about. However, this time the conversation turns to duct sealing and how it affects system efficiency and energy savings.
In its own duct sealing campaign, ENERGY STAR® warns homeowners using forced air heating and cooling systems that approximately 20 to 30 percent of the air flowing through a duct system can be lost due to leaks, holes and poor duct connections.
“The result is higher utility bills and a harder time keeping your home comfortable, no matter how the thermostat is set,” says the Energy Star website. “Sealing and insulating ducts can help solve common comfort problems and improve indoor air quality. and reduce backflow.” gas into a living space.”
The organization warns that duct systems can be difficult to access, but still provides homeowners with a do-it-yourself checklist that includes inspections, sealing openings with duct tape or foil tape, and wrapping pipes running through unconditioned areas with insulation air ducts After completing all of these steps, Energy Star recommends that homeowners have the system inspected by a professional. It also lets homeowners know that most professional HVAC contractors will repair and install ductwork.
According to Energy Star, the four most common duct problems are leaking, ruptured, and disconnected ducts; poor seals on registers and grilles; leaks in ovens and filter trays; and kinks in flexible duct systems that restrict air flow. Solutions to these problems include duct repair and sealing; ensuring a tight fit of registers and grilles to the air ducts; sealing furnaces and filter troughs; and properly insulating ductwork in unfinished areas.
Duct sealing and insulation work together to create a symbiotic relationship that increases efficiency and comfort.
“When you talk about ductwork, if it’s not sealed properly, the insulation won’t do its job,” said Brennan Hall, senior HVAC product manager for Johns Manville Performance Materials. “We go hand in hand with sealing duct systems.”
He explains that once the system is sealed, the insulation delivers the temperature required by the air handling system through the ducts, saving energy with the least possible heat loss or gain, depending on the mode selected.
“If there is no heat loss or gain as it passes through the ducts, it will obviously help quickly raise the temperature in the building or home to the desired thermostat set point,” Hall said. “The system will then stop and the fans will stop running, which will help reduce energy costs.”
A secondary result of properly sealing ducts is to reduce condensation. Controlling condensation and excess moisture helps prevent mold and odor problems.
“The vapor barrier on our products, whether it’s duct film or ductwork, makes a big difference,” Hall said. “John Manville duct panels reduce energy loss by suppressing unwanted noise and maintaining consistent temperatures. They also help create a healthier indoor environment by reducing air leakage and preventing damage caused by microbial growth.”
The company not only helps contractors by producing a variety of products to solve duct noise and efficiency problems, but has also created a series of free online training on its HVAC and mechanical insulation solutions.
“The Johns Manville Academy offers interactive training modules that explain everything from the basics of insulation systems to how to sell and install Johns Manville HVAC systems and mechanical products,” Hall said.
Bill Diederich, Aeroseal’s vice president of residential operations, said sealing ducts is the best way to maximize the efficiency of your equipment.
Sealing from the inside: Aeroseal contractors connect flat laid pipes to ductwork. When the duct system is pressurized, a flat tube is used to deliver sprayed sealant into the duct system.
“In fact, in retrofit projects, sealing ductwork can reduce size, resulting in smaller, lower-cost heating and cooling systems,” he said. “Research shows that up to 40% of the air brought into or out of a room is lost due to leaks in ductwork. As a result, HVAC systems have to work harder and longer than usual to achieve and maintain a comfortable room temperature. Over time By eliminating duct leaks, HVAC systems can operate at peak efficiency without wasting energy or reducing equipment life.”
Aeroseal seals ducts primarily from the inside of the duct system rather than from the outside. Holes less than 5/8 inch in diameter will be sealed using the Aeroseal system, which is designed to simplify the pipe sealing process described above.
Pipe Preparation: Prepare the piping system for connection to the Aeroseal flat tubing. When the duct system is pressurized, a flat tube is used to deliver sprayed sealant into the duct system.
“By injecting a spray of sealant into ducts under pressure, Aeroseal seals ducts from the inside no matter where they are located, including inaccessible ducts behind drywall,” says Diederich. “The system’s software tracks leak reduction in real time and issues a certificate of completion showing before and after leaks.”
Any leak larger than 5/8 inch can be sealed by hand. Major leaks, such as broken, disconnected or damaged pipes, should be repaired before sealing. According to the company, contractors will identify these problems through visual inspection before sealing. If a serious problem is detected during the application of Aeroseal Duct Sealing Spray, the system will immediately stop to stop the flow of sealant, check the problem and provide an on-site solution before resuming sealing.
“In addition to increased efficiency, customers will find that sealing their ducts eliminates discomfort and uneven temperatures in their homes; prevents dust from entering ducts, air handling systems and the air they breathe; and can reduce energy bills by up to 30 percent.” said. “It is the easiest and most effective way for homeowners to improve airflow and ventilation in their home, increasing comfort and air quality while saving energy and reducing utility bills.”
Angela Harris is a technical editor. You can reach her at 248-786-1254 or angelaharris@achrnews.com. Angela is responsible for the latest news and technology features at The News. She has a BA in English from the University of Auckland and nine years of professional journalism experience.
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Post time: Oct-10-2023