When was the last time you ventured into your home’s crawl space or attic to inspect your HVAC system’s ductwork?
If it has been a while, then now would be a good time to slip on some old clothes and have a peek at the condition of the ductwork in these seldom- seen areas. Ductwork should be inspected twice a year, once before you turn on your cooling system in the summer and once before you begin using your heating system in the winter.
Ducts often fall or become detached due to improper installation techniques. Mastic sealant, a flexible yet durable protective sealant, is the only thing that should be used to seal ducts to register boots and other connections. HVAC or duct tape should NOT be used. Over a period of time, these tapes will lose their adhesive properties allowing ductwork to fall, releasing the heated or air-conditioned air that you paid for, under your home or into the attic. So, please take a few minutes to survey your ductwork before it costs you high energy bills this winter.