According to the US Department of Energy, typical duct systems can lose up to 30% of conditioned air due to leaks and poor connections.
According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), direct contact with fiberglass or inhalation of dust-containing fiberglass can cause irritation to the throat, eyes, skin, and nose.
Several studies have shown that when fiberglass duct liner is exposed to dust, dirt, and moisture, it creates an ideal environment for the growth of mold, fungus, and harmful bacteria like Legionella. In addition, it significantly affects the operation of the air duct, reducing its capacity.
Clear Signs You Have Mold Infestation in Your HVAC & Vents
Allergic Reactions
- Itchy eyes, nose, and/or throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Excess mucus in the throat
- Dry or rough skin
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
Respiratory Problems
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- Lung cancer
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis (CF)
Increased Energy Bills
Water Leaks or Condensation
A Musty Odor
Excessive Humidity
Silent Danger:
Problems You May Face Without Professional Duct Coating
Is HVAC duct coating necessary? It's a common question many homeowners have and one that's very easy to answer. Check out two key problems that a lack of air duct sealing can lead to and how a professional air duct encapsulation service from Green Ductors can solve them.
Problem 1:
Solution:
Problem 2:
Solution:
What Is Air Duct Encapsulation?
Air duct encapsulation is the process of sealing and insulating the ducts that convey heated or cooled air throughout your home or commercial space. This process involves applying a special coating that solidifies your ducts, eliminating leaks, preventing mold growth, and reducing dust infiltration. By sealing and insulating the ductwork, you can ensure that conditioned air reaches its destination without escaping through gaps, cracks, or poorly connected areas.
The essence of HVAC duct coating lies in its ability to create a cleaner, more energy-efficient heating and cooling system. By sealing leaks and adding insulation, the process minimizes the risk of pollutants and allergens entering the ductwork and circulating throughout the building. This is particularly beneficial for people with allergies or respiratory issues, as it helps maintain healthier indoor air levels. Plus, by optimizing the efficiency of your HVAC system, duct encapsulation significantly reduces energy consumption, resulting in lower utility costs. After application, the encapsulation coating dries to create a flexible, moisture-resistant, and durable layer that reduces dirt accumulation on the coated surface.
When Do You Need Air Duct Coating/Encapsulation?
Maintaining healthy indoor air quality and an efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial for both commercial and residential properties. Ductwork encapsulation plays a pivotal role in achieving this. But when is air duct encapsulation necessary? Here when you should consider duct board encapsulation:
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Top Benefits Of HVAC Coating/Encapsulation
Our HVAC Duct Coating/Encapsulation Process
Initial Inspection
Our expert technicians will begin the process by conducting a thorough inspection of your air duct system. This inspection helps us identify any existing damage, leaks, or contaminants that may be affecting the performance of your ducts. We will also assess the overall condition of the ductwork to determine the best course of action.
Sealing and Encapsulation With Mold-Resistant Duct Coating
Prior to encapsulation, your ducts need to be cleaned. This step is crucial to ensure that the encapsulation process is carried out on a clean and disinfected surface. If you haven’t done so yet, our professional duct cleaning team will be happy to help. We will perform a comprehensive cleaning to remove any dust, debris, and mold that may have accumulated in the system over time. By doing so, we prevent any existing contaminants from being trapped within the encapsulated ducts.
Once the ducts are cleaned, our technicians will seal any visible leaks or gaps in the ductwork using high-quality sealing materials. This helps to prevent air leakage, ensuring that conditioned air reaches its intended destination without wastage.
Next, we apply our advanced encapsulation solution, a water-based protective coating formulated with an EPA-registered preservative. This specially formulated material creates a durable seal around the inner surfaces of fiberboard, fiberglass, and sheet metal ducts, effectively preventing any air leakage, improving insulation, and reducing energy loss. The product also effectively fights existing mold and prevents the formation of new mold, mildew, and fungus on the coated surface.
Verification and Testing
After the encapsulation process is completed, we conduct a final verification to ensure that the duct system is properly sealed and insulated. Our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to measure air pressure and temperature differentials to detect any remaining leaks. This testing phase guarantees that your newly encapsulated ducts are working optimally to deliver clean, conditioned air throughout your property.
Post-Process Recommendations
As part of our commitment to providing exceptional customer service, our team will provide you with valuable recommendations on maintaining the performance and efficiency of your newly encapsulated ducts. We will advise you on regular maintenance practices, such as changing filters, cleaning vents, and scheduling periodic inspections to ensure the longevity of your system.
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Want to improve the air quality in your home and solve problems with your HVAC system? Leave it to the professionals! Contact us now for a consultation and quote on our duct encapsulation/coating services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We know that there is always room for questions. We have provided answers to the most frequently asked questions from our clients. If you don't see the answer you're looking for, give us a call and one of our expert team members will be happy to assist you!
Why is duct encapsulation so essential?
Approximately half of the ductwork is internally lined with fiberglass. Over time, these fiberglass linings degrade due to air abrasion, and fibers may loosen during improper cleaning processes that use abrasive systems. In such cases, fiberglass particles can circulate through your ductwork and into your home. Plus, sheet metal ductwork gradually oxidizes due to the moisture from your air conditioning unit, leading to the formation of a white powder pollutant. This pollutant is then dispersed throughout your home, worsening asthma and allergies. In addition, encapsulation helps to maintain a dry environment within the ductwork, stopping mold growth before it starts.
How long does the HVAC coatings process take?
The duration of the process can vary depending on the size of your ductwork and the job’s complexity. Typically, we complete small projects in 1 business day, while larger projects may take longer.
Why should I choose Green Ductors for the encapsulation of my air ducts?
Here are the top reasons why customers in NY and NJ choose our services:
- Our team has years of experience in duct encapsulation and coating services.
- We adhere to the highest standards, using only certified materials and methods.
- We pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service and exceeding our customers’ expectations.
- Our portfolio is packed with success stories from satisfied customers.
How much does air duct encapsulation cost?
The air duct coating cost can vary depending on the size of your ductwork and the extent of the work required. We’ll provide you with a detailed estimate before starting the process. Simply request a FREE quote.
What type of sealant is used for HVAC encapsulation?
The sealant used for HVAC encapsulation is typically a water-based or solvent-based coating specifically designed for sealing ductwork. These sealants are often made from acrylic, epoxy, or other polymer-based materials that adhere well to metal surfaces and provide a durable, airtight seal. The Carlisle HVAC’s encapsulation product (aka the sealant we use) is a water-based sealant.
How long does HVAC encapsulation last?
The longevity of HVAC encapsulation depends on various factors, including the quality of the sealant used, environmental conditions, and the level of wear and tear on the ductwork. In general, a properly applied encapsulation treatment can last for several years, providing long-term benefits for system performance and efficiency.
The encapsulation seals the inside of the ducts—does it have an odor upon installation?
The product information does not mention any odor associated with installation. However, we would say that there is a light “paint like” smell during the installation itself, but very shortly it dissipates and is not felt at all.
Per one of our technicians, the smell is not critical, it is felt mainly within a radius of 15 feet from the place of work, no more. However, sensitive clients cannot remain in the room during and after completion of work until the paint has completely dried.
How long does it take to dry?
The drying time for the encapsulation product may vary depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and application thickness. Generally, water-based sealants like the one offered by Carlisle HVAC typically dry within a few hours to overnight.
According to one of our technicians, It takes no more than 24 hours for complete drying. If you turn on the system in air circulation mode, it will dry in less than 10 hours.
The entirety of the duct will be covered, correct?
Yes, the encapsulation product is designed to seal the entirety of the ductwork’s interior surfaces, providing a complete barrier against air leaks and contaminants.
And going forward it will be easier to clean?
Encapsulating the ductwork can make it easier to clean in the future. By creating a smooth, non-porous surface, the encapsulation helps prevent the buildup of dust, debris, and mold within the ductwork, making it simpler to maintain and ensuring improved indoor air quality over time.
Find Industry-Leading Duct Coating Service Near You
In the NY and NJ areas, we are a highly qualified air duct encapsulation/coating company with a proven track record. Thanks to our customer-centered approach and commitment to excellence, we have many happy homeowners and business owners to our credit. We are trusted. We are chosen.
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