Final Lesson: Problems AeroSeal Solves or Prevents
Introduction
Final lesson in a five-part series
Focus on issues caused by duct leakage which AeroSeal can solve
Key Issues with Duct Leakage
Temperature and Humidity Complaints
Previous lessons covered this
Air Quality
Duct leakage brings in unclean air
Quote from Energy Star Fact Sheet: Sealing ducts can improve indoor air quality by reducing pollutants entering from dusty attics or musty crawl spaces
Dust can aggravate asthma and allergies
Visible Dust
Homeowners complain about frequent dusting
Duct leakage is a major cause
Customer Experience: Reduced dusting frequency from weeks to days after sealing ducts
Mechanism: Supply duct leakage causes negative pressure, pulling dust into the house
Dust Stains and Condensation
Dust stains at carpet edges and around ceiling diffusers
Venturi Effect: Airflow over cracks pulls air (and dust) through
Sealing boot-to-sheetrock joints can stop these issues
Musty Odors
Common in homes with crawl spaces
Duct leaks allow smells to enter the house
AeroSeal and sealing boot-to-plywood gaps can make a significant difference
Pests
Bugs and mice can enter through duct leaks
Larger critters like rats, raccoons, and possums may enter if ducts are disconnected or damaged
Sealing ducts blocks these entries
Unhealthy Indoor Air
Duct leakage can draw in harmful air from attics, crawl spaces, and other areas
Health Impact: Over 40% of households have a member with respiratory issues
Educating customers on this often leads to an AeroSeal purchase
Sealed ducts are crucial for indoor air quality (IAQ)
Backdrafting Gas Appliances
Negative pressure can cause combustion gases to spill into the home
Duct leakage is often the cause
Especially dangerous with carbon monoxide
AeroSeal can fix these issues
Equipment Damage
Unfiltered air from duct leaks can cause equipment fouling and breakdowns
Particularly problematic with remote air filters
Sealing ducts protects equipment and maintains efficiency
Utility Bills
Leaky ducts increase heating and cooling costs
DOE Study: Sealing ducts is the most effective energy-saving measure
Consumer Reports: Sealing can reduce annual bills by $400
Conclusion
Comprehensive overview of duct leakage problems and AeroSeal benefits
Next lesson: How AeroSeal works and frequently asked questions