Understanding the Impact of Properly Sealed Ductwork

Your air conditioning and heating system relies on a network of ducts to deliver conditioned air throughout your home or business. When these ducts develop leaks, gaps, or loose connections, you’re essentially throwing money out the window. At Sun Kool Air Conditioning Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how duct sealing transforms comfort levels and energy efficiency in Oxford, Wildwood, Ocala, The Villages, Summerfield, Lady Lake and Leesburg, FL properties. Studies from the Department of Energy indicate that typical duct systems lose 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through them due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. This means your HVAC system works harder, runs longer, and still struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Our NATE-certified technicians regularly encounter ductwork that hasn’t been inspected since installation, sometimes decades ago. Over time, the mastic and tape used to seal joints deteriorate, metal ducts develop small holes from corrosion, and flexible ducts can become disconnected or crushed. These issues compound gradually, making them easy to overlook until energy bills skyrocket or certain rooms never seem to reach the right temperature. As a Carrier Factory-Authorized Dealer with an in-house duct designer holding Wright Soft energy calculation certification, we bring exceptional expertise to every duct sealing project.

The Duct Sealing Process and Advanced Techniques

Professional duct sealing begins with a comprehensive inspection using specialized diagnostic equipment. We employ pressure testing methods and thermal imaging cameras to identify even the smallest leaks that would otherwise go undetected. This initial assessment reveals not just where air escapes, but also helps us calculate exactly how much conditioned air your system loses. The data gathered during this phase guides our sealing strategy and allows us to provide accurate projections for energy savings.

The actual sealing process involves multiple techniques depending on the type and location of leaks found. For accessible ducts, we apply mastic sealant, a thick paste that hardens to create permanent, flexible seals at joints and connections. Unlike standard duct tape that fails within a few years, mastic maintains its integrity for decades. For holes and gaps in sheet metal ductwork, we use mesh tape combined with mastic for reinforced repairs. In cases where ducts run through walls or other inaccessible areas, we utilize aerosol-based sealants that travel through the duct system and automatically seal leaks from the inside. This innovative technology has revolutionized how we approach challenging duct configurations common in older Wildwood, Ocala, FL, and the surrounding areas homes.

Unlike portable air purifiers limited to single rooms, the REME HALO purifies every cubic inch of air-conditioned space in your home. The system features a convenient Countdown DayTimer that provides visual indication when it’s time to replace the REME cell, eliminating guesswork about maintenance schedules. The system has been shown to be 99.9% effective at neutralizing coronavirus, providing peace of mind during flu season and beyond. The technology also excels at eliminating odors from pets, cooking, and musty rooms while reducing allergens like pollen, dander, and mold spores.

PROformance IAQ Solutions: High-Intensity Purification

PROformance IAQ Solutions specializes in high-intensity air purifiers and filter systems designed for HVAC applications. Their trained professionals can diagnose air quality issues and accurately identify concerns in your home. The company’s approach includes addressing multiple types of indoor air pollution, including mold, bacteria, viruses, and volatile organic compounds that cause unpleasant odors.

One standout feature is their use of Porex Virtek PTFE reflective media, which has an average reflectance of 96% at 254 nm and dramatically improves pathogen reduction when utilized with UVC light. This technology transforms your ductwork into a highly reactive disinfection chamber, maximizing the effectiveness of UV purification systems while protecting materials from damaging UV exposure.

Carrier Infinity Air Purifier: Captures & Kills Technology

The Carrier Infinity air purifiers feature patented Captures & Kills technology that inactivates 99% of select airborne pathogens flowing through your HVAC system and captured by the MERV 15 filter, including coronavirus, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms. The system employs a three-step charge, capture, and kill process where electrically charged ions attach to particles, pull them toward a pleated filter, and subject captured microbes to an intense electric field.

Working silently within your HVAC system, the Infinity air purifier treats every area your heating and cooling system reaches. It captures 95% of particles in the 1.0 to 3.0 micron size range, effectively removing pet dander, pollen, and other allergens while providing whole-home protection against airborne pathogens.

Making the Investment in Your Health

Professional installation of these advanced systems ensures your family breathes cleaner, healthier air throughout your entire home, not just in individual rooms where portable units operate.

Health Benefits and Indoor Air Quality Improvements

Beyond energy efficiency, sealed ductwork plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Leaky ducts pull in contaminants from attics, crawl spaces, and wall cavities, introducing dust, insulation fibers, pest droppings, and other pollutants into your breathing air. This phenomenon, known as negative pressure infiltration, particularly affects allergy and asthma sufferers.

• Reduced allergen infiltration: Sealed ducts prevent outdoor pollens and mold spores from entering through gaps
• Improved humidity control: Proper sealing helps maintain consistent moisture levels throughout your space
• Enhanced filtration effectiveness: When all air passes through your system’s filter rather than bypassing through leaks, filtration improves dramatically
• Elimination of combustion gas backdrafting: Sealed ducts maintain proper pressure balance, preventing dangerous gases from entering living spaces

As a family-owned and operated company since 1984, Sun Kool Air Conditioning Inc. understands the importance of creating healthy, comfortable environments for families and businesses throughout our service area. Our comprehensive approach to duct sealing addresses both immediate comfort concerns and long-term health considerations, ensuring your investment delivers benefits for years to come.